After you read this column, you may want to google Article 356 (1) of the Constitution of India. To put it in a sentence, under this Article, the Union government can assume powers and responsibilities of a state legislature, take over the working of the state and govern it through the office of the President. Which is why it is also known as President\u2019s Rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In June 2021, Narendra Modi had tweeted, \u201cThe Dark Days of Emergency can never be forgotten. The period from 1975 to 1977 witnessed a systematic destruction of institutions. Let us pledge to do everything possible to strengthen India\u2019s democratic spirit, and live up to the values enshrined in our Constitution<\/em>\u201d. In the last one week, a Chief Minister and two former Chief Ministers have spoken up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Omar Abdullah: \u201cThese sweeping transfers only happen in non-BJP ruled states & especially in West Bengal but that\u2019s no surprise. However, West Bengal will once again prove what I have always believed to be true \u2013 officers don\u2019t win elections for political parties, the leaders of political parties do. No amount of effort by the Election Commission to gerrymander will change the results. Come counting day Mamata Didi will win a thumping majority\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Akhilesh Yadav: \u201cThe conspiracy the BJP is plotting by removing the DG of police, other senior officials in West Bengal, will not work. The people will vote for Mamata Banerjee\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arvind Kejriwal: \u201cThe BJP has turned the Election Commission into its weapon to win elections through deceit. What is happening today in West Bengal is exactly what happened in the Delhi elections as well. Names were struck off the voter list, the police administration gave free rein to the BJP\u2019s thuggery, and the entire administration was engaged in ensuring the BJP\u2019s victory. The very fabric of democracy was torn apart. Today, Mamata Didi too is fighting to save democracy. In this struggle, we stand with her\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, on the floor of Parliament, your columnist said: \u201cThe Home Ministry should ensure they perform (their duties) in Parliament. But currently, the Home Ministry is more interested in doing an \u2018undeclared Emergency\u2019 in Bengal\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All this is not hollow rhetoric. Here is what is happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n P.S. In August 1949, speaking during the Constituent Assembly debates, Dr Ambedkar said, \u201cI do not altogether deny that there is a possibility of these articles (provisions of Emergency) being abused or employed for political purposes\u2026 the proper thing we ought to expect is that such articles will never be called into operation and that they would remain a dead letter\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empty words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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