Biplab Kumar Deb Slams Congress, Calls Emergency a Dark Phase in Indian Democracy

In a sharply worded political attack, Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress and the Left Front, labeling the Emergency period (1975-77) as one of the darkest and most repressive times in India’s democratic history. His remarks came on the anniversary of the Emergency’s imposition by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, an event that continues to provoke controversy across the political spectrum even decades later.

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Emergency Was a “Black Chapter”, Says Biplab Kumar Deb

Addressing a gathering of party workers and supporters in Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb minced no words. He stated, “The Emergency declared by Congress in 1975 was a brutal assault on the soul of democracy. It was a time when voices were silenced, opposition was crushed, and India was turned into a prison for political dissent.”

Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress for what he terms “institutional sabotage,” highlighting how the fundamental rights of citizens were suspended, journalists were jailed, and civil liberties were crushed under a regime that brooked no criticism.

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A Wake-Up Call for Indian Youth

With a keen eye on the younger generation, Deb stressed the importance of remembering history. “Our youth must know that what happened during the Emergency was not a political accident, but a deliberate move to destroy the democratic foundation of India,” he warned.

By invoking historical memory, Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress leadership for what he views as a lack of remorse and responsibility over the Emergency even in contemporary times. He questioned the party’s continued relevance, claiming it has failed to learn from its authoritarian past.

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Targeting the Left Alongside Congress

Biplab Kumar Deb did not spare the Left Front either, accusing them of complicity and silence during the Emergency. He alleged that the Left parties, while positioning themselves as champions of civil liberties today, failed to resist or speak up against the curbs on democracy during the mid-1970s.

His broader message was clear: “Political ideologies must serve the people, not power. Both the Congress and the Left have failed in this duty.”

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Political Reactions and BJP’s Standpoint

Deb’s comments have been welcomed within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where many leaders echoed similar sentiments. BJP has consistently criticized the Congress party for the Emergency and uses the occasion to contrast its governance style with that era of authoritarian rule.

Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress not just for past mistakes but also for its current political stance, which he describes as “hypocritical and disconnected from ground realities.”

Congress, on the other hand, dismissed the remarks as “diversionary tactics” and accused BJP of using the Emergency to deflect attention from its own governance failures.

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An Emotional Connect with Tripura

Tripura has seen a significant political shift in recent years, moving from Left rule to a BJP-led government. Deb, who served as the Chief Minister of the state before moving to the Rajya Sabha, continues to be a prominent voice for the BJP in the Northeast.

Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress and the Left for what he calls “decades of neglect and political monopoly” in Tripura, which he claims kept the region underdeveloped and disconnected from mainstream development.

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Rekindling the Democratic Spirit

Deb’s speech wasn’t just an attack; it was also a call to action. He urged citizens to stay vigilant and protect democratic values, warning that freedom is fragile if not actively defended. “The Emergency should never be forgotten, because it reminds us of what can happen when power goes unchecked,” he said.

This statement resonated with many who view today’s political challenges through the lens of historical experiences.

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Conclusion: The Politics of Memory and Accountability

By choosing to spotlight the Emergency, Biplab Kumar Deb has reignited an emotionally and politically charged debate. His deliberate focus on historical accountability and democratic integrity positions him as a leader keen on shaping both memory and future discourse.

Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress with intent — not just to criticize, but to remind India of the price it paid once for complacency and the cost of forgetting history.