Emergency darkest period; vibrant democracy key to progress: PM Modi

On the 40th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said a vibrant liberal democracy is the key to progress and that everything should be done to strengthen democratic ideals and ethos.

"We mark 40 years of one of India's darkest periods- the Emergency, when the then political leadership trampled over our democracy," he tweeted.

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"A vibrant liberal democracy is the key to progress. Let us do everything possible to further strengthen our democratic ideals & ethos," he said.

The Prime Minister recalled that lakhs of people had resisted the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on this day in 1975.

"We are very proud of the lakhs of people, who resisted the Emergency & whose efforts ensured that our democratic fabric is preserved," he said.

"Inspired by the call of JP, several men & women across India selflessly immersed themselves in the movement to safeguard our democracy," Modi said, referring to Jaiprakash Narain.

The Prime Minister said the Emergency brings back many memories and that youngsters had learnt a lot during the anti-Emergency movement.

"Personally, the Emergency brings back many memories. As youngsters, we learnt a lot during the anti-Emergency movement.

"The Emergency was a great opportunity to work with a wide spectrum of leaders & organisations fighting for the same goal- return of democracy," he said.

The Emergency was lifted only after two years in the wake of widespread mass movement.