As the first Parliament Session of the third term of the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) began today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the media, recalled the Emergency declared across the country from 1975 to 1977 when late Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

“Tomorrow marks 50 years since a dark chapter was written into India’s democracy”, PM Modi reminded, adding that the new generation “must never forget how the Constitution was completely disregarded, torn apart, and the country was turned into a prison, with democracy utterly suppressed”. He also stated that the Emergency reminds us to protect the Constitution and democracy with pride and said that the government commits to ensuring a vibrant democracy and fulfilling the common man’s dreams as outlined by the Indian Constitution.

In his statement, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people for giving the NDA a third term and asserted that the government will “work three times harder in our third term”. He also said that people expect constructive contributions from the Opposition and hoped that the latter will play its role effectively and uphold the dignity of the democracy.

“In the House, the common man expects debate and diligence. People do not expect tantrums, drama, and disturbance. They seek substance, not slogans. The country needs a good and responsible opposition, and I am confident that the MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha will strive to meet these expectations of the common man,” Modi stated.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has said that PM Modi reminded of the Emergency however, he forgot the last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency, “which was ended by the people” in the just concluded General Election.

“‘People need substance, not slogans’ – remember this yourself”, Kharge said to the Prime Minister.

The Congress President also pointed out that in his customary address, PM Modi had missed out the controversies surrounding common examinations, the recent train accident in West Bengal, the ongoing violence in Manipur, the floods in Assam and Northeast states, price rise, “Exit Poll-Stock Market scam” and caste census.

Also today, the INDIA bloc Members of Parliament held a protest outside the Parliament building while holding copies of the Constitution against the appointment of BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha who was earlier in the day administered the oath by the President of India.

Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers also took oath as members of the Lok Sabha today.