Congress can’t preach ‘Save the Constitution’: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

A Correspondent

DIBRUGARH: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, saying it “has no moral standing to raise slogans like ‘Save the Constitution’ after having tried to crush it during the Emergency.”

Addressing the inaugural session of a “Mock Parliament” organized at the historic Hanumanbux Surajmall Kanoi College in Dibrugarh by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the BJP ’s Mahila Morcha to mark 50 years since the declaration of Emergency, Sonowal called the period “a black chapter” that exposed Congress’s authoritarian streak.

“Fifty years ago, the Congress government forcibly imposed Emergency on the nation, suspending basic rights and humiliating our Constitution, which was drafted after years of tireless work by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his colleagues,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Reflecting on the nationwide resistance, Sonowal paid tribute to leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee who “led courageous struggles to protect democracy,” and to Assam’s Golap Borbora and other senior leaders who mobilised the people against Congress’ corruption and dictatorship.

“Millions across India united to defend the Constitution that guarantees our dignity and rights,” Sarbananda Sonowal added. “Because of that struggle, today every Indian enjoys social justice, economic growth and the right to live with honour.”

Sarbananda Sonowal urged the younger generation never to forget Congress’ deeds. “Congress today shouts ‘Save the Constitution,’ but it was they who tried to kill it,” Sonowal said. “The people have already punished them at the ballot box, but our youth must remember this dark phase of India’s history so it is never repeated. Democracy, not dictatorship, defines India’s identity.”

Sarbananda Sonowal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying, “Every policy under PM Modi reflects democratic values, compassion and inclusivity. Under him, India has become a respected global power because our democracy is alive and strong.”

Sonowal contrasted this with the Emergency, describing it as a time when even Cabinet ministers had to wait for approval from Sanjay Gandhi, and the Lok Sabha functioned as a “rubber stamp” for one family’s whims. “At one point, they replaced Mahatma Gandhi’s photos in government offices with Indira Gandhi’s portraits. Even iconic singer Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned from All India Radio,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.

“The slogan “India is Indira and Indira is India” summed up the Congress mindset. It was a betrayal of India’s democratic soul,” Sonowal added.

The senior BJP leader accused Congress of hindering India’s development, saying, “They delayed our nation’s progress in every way—social, economic & political. Even after decades in power, they failed to ensure basic dignity, food & shelter for millions.”

In contrast, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The BJP-led NDA government has always worked to uphold democratic values and build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Our goal is inclusive progress that leaves no community or region behind.”

Sonowal called democracy “the voice and dreams of every Indian, safeguarding equal opportunity, respect and progress.” Sonowal added, “When every community and citizen gets a fair chance to contribute, no force can stop India from becoming stronger.”

Addressing students and youth present at the event, Sonowal urged them to carry forward the legacy of those who resisted Emergency-era oppression. “This chapter must never be forgotten,” he said. “Democracy is India’s lifeblood, and the Constitution its soul. It is your duty to protect both.”

The Union Minister also paid homage to “those who endured imprisonment, torture and suffering to save India from dictatorship,” adding, “It is because of them that today we live in a vibrant democracy.”

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