On its 40th anniversary, Twitter recalls Emergency in different strokes

Urges for further strengthening of democratic principles

Marking 40 years of the June 25, 1975 imposition of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that it was 'one of India's darkest periods', and stresssed that 'a vibrant liberal democracy is the key to progress'.

Political leaders and journalists who lived through those autocratic times also chimed in with their memories of a time when most civil liberties and fundamental rights stood suspended for more than a year-and-a-half. 

Read more from our special coverage on "EMERGENCY"

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Besides slamming the Emergency, imposed by then Congress leader and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and urging the strengthening of democratic ideals, PM Modi also praised the courage of all those who opposed the nearly two year long curbs on free speech. His thoughts were echoed by Home MinisterRajnath singh. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Varun Gandhi also tweeted a letter from his grandmother Indira Gandhi, condoling the death of his father Sanjay Gandhi. June 23 is also the 35th anniversary of Sanjay Gandhi, a key enforcer of the Emergency who pushed the infamous national sterlisation scheme as well as a ruthless cleanup of slums in large parts of Delhi. Varun recently paid tribute to his father at the Shanti Van on Monday.

Among other tweets, some called for alertness to prevent a replay of those dark days. .Others decided to find the lighter side of things.  And then there was this interesting observation.