The Congress party has no moral authority to speak on democracy and freedom of speech after imposing Emergency in the country while being in power at the Centre 50 years ago, Union Minister of State for Mines and Minerals Satish Chandra Dubey said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference here at the BJP office, the Union Minister said the declaration of Emergency 50 years ago by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, would remain as the “darkest day” in the country. 

“People who lived during the days of Emergency in the country still remember the harassment and difficulties they faced at the hands of the Congress. People were illegally detained and put behind bars. The Congress has no right to speak about freedom of speech and democracy,” he said. 

The Emergency was declared by the Congress to hold on to power, the Minister said adding that the grand-old party would not hesitate to resort to such undemocratic steps, if they came back to power. “The party is still in the same mindset and will do anything for power and to protect the interests of the dynasty. So, people should keep Congress out of power,” he said.

The BJP has decided to observe ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to remind people of the dark days of Emergency, BJP president and Member of Parliament V. Selvganabathy said. Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare A. K. Sai J. Saravanan Kumar were present.