External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has launched a sharp critique of the Congress party, taking a veiled swipe at Rahul Gandhi for what he termed “symbolic constitutionalism”. Speaking at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Jaishankar accused the Gandhi family of failing to apologize for the 1975 Emergency and using the Constitution as a political prop rather than upholding its true spirit.
“Some people flash the Constitution in their hands, but the feeling in their hearts is different,” Jaishankar said, without naming Rahul Gandhi directly.
🗳️ Emergency Revisited: A Dark Chapter
Jaishankar described the Emergency as a “deliberate attempt to break the morale of the nation”, blaming it on a mindset that placed “a family above the country”. He emphasized that the Congress party has never expressed regret for the suspension of civil liberties and mass arrests during the 21-month period from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
“What respect can you see towards the Constitution by those who are still not apologising for the Emergency?” he asked.
🧭 Political Undercurrents
The remarks come amid a broader political narrative where the BJP has repeatedly invoked the Emergency to question the Congress’s democratic credentials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also marked the occasion, calling it the “darkest chapter” in India’s democratic history.
Jaishankar’s comments appear to counter Rahul Gandhi’s recent public appearances where he has been seen holding a copy of the Constitution, symbolizing resistance to what the Congress calls the “undermining of democratic institutions”.
📌 Why It Matters
- The remarks reignite debate over historical accountability and political symbolism
- They reflect the BJP’s strategy to frame the Congress as authoritarian in legacy
- The Emergency remains a polarizing issue, shaping political discourse even five decades later
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