BJP patriarch lK Advani’s comments that “forces that can crush democracy are stronger” and “fundamental liberties could be curtailed again” has triggered an avalanche of interpretations and left political circles guessing its basic import and meaning.While the RSS dismissed the possibility of Emergency-like situation arising again, the Congress under whose regime Emergency was imposed and other political opponents of the BJP “agreed” with the veteran’s apprehensions as expressed in an English daily.
“At the present point of time, the forces that can crush democracy, notwithstanding the constitutional and legal safeguards, are stronger,” Advani said. In the years since the Emergency in 1975-77, he said, “I don’t think anything has been done that gives the assurance that civil liberties will not be suspended or destroyed again. Not at all.”
“Of course, no one can do it easily...But that it cannot happen again — I will not say that. It could be that fundamental liberties are curtailed again,” said the former Deputy PM.Advani, who along with another octogenarian party leader Murli Mahohar Joshi, is a member of BJP’s Margdarshak Mandal. The Mandal has not met even for once after it was constituted last year. The advisory panel also has Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh as its other members.
Advani was arrested during Emergency and put in Bangalore jail along with other BJP and Opposition leaders. In the interview, Advani said that he did not see any sign in the polity that assures him any outstanding aspect of leadership with a commitment to democracy and to all other aspects related to democracy is lacking. “Forces that can crush democracy are stronger... I don’t have the confidence it (Emergency) cannot happen again,” he said.“Today, I do not say that the political leadership is not mature. I don’t have faith because of its weaknesses.I don’t have the confidence that it (Emergency) cannot happen again.”
Commenting on Advani’s remarks, RSS ideologue MG Vaidya said Advani is a member of the BJP’s Margdarshak Mandal and he did not think he was sending a message to Modi.
“I don’t feel anything like that. He (Advani) is quite senior in age and experience. So he can talk to Modi. He is in the Margdarshak Mandal of BJP. I don’t think he has an intention of sending a message to Modi through this interview.”BJP spokesperson MJ Akbar felt that it was not aimed at individuals but at institutions.
“I think lK Advani was referring to institutions rather than to individuals. I respect his views, but I personally don’t see Emergency, any chance of any Emergency being reimposed in the country. I think that age is over, Indian democracy is too strong, much stronger now,” he said.
Readily latching on to Advani’s remark, Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan announced the “jury is out” from the ruling party itself and the BJP leader was indeed hinting at “Emergency-like” situation under Modi’s rule. “Today the jury is out. Advani is vocal. What he had to say, he has said,” he told reporters.
As the remarks by the former Deputy Prime Minister drew support from the Opposition parties, the JD(U) said it should be considered seriously.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar supported the concern of Advani, saying that Bihar was “facing it on a daily basis”.
“Advani is among the seniormost leaders of BJP and his concerns should be considered seriously. As far as Emergency-like situation is concerned, we are facing it here on a daily basis,” Kumar said in Patna.
“Just see what kind of promises was made during the lok Sabha polls and what has happened to them after they (BJP) came to power. They used to boast that they have completed one year and there have been no scams during the period, but see how many scams have started surfacing now,” said Bihar Chief Minister.
Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi felt it is the “first indictment” of Modi’s politics. AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wondered whether Delhi was the “first experiment” towards clamping Emergency. CPI MP D Raja shared the concerns over the possibility of an Emergency in India alleging that the Modi Government was undermining Parliament and other institutions. Reacting to Advani’s remarks on the issue, he wanted to know as to whom the senior BJP leader had in mind when talked about the possibility of imposition of Emergency.
“He should come out openly if he was serious about the issue he was raising. At least during the time the late Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency she had blamed the Opposition. Now fears are being raised from within,” the CPI MP said.