Agartala, July 01, 2025: “The Emergency was a dark chapter in India’s democracy that every young citizen must learn about,” said Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday, while addressing a mock parliament session organized by the Pradesh Mahila Morcha at the Muktadhara Auditorium in Agartala.

Highlighting the significance of political awareness among the youth, Dr. Saha added, “Many young people today are unaware of the atrocities that took place during the Emergency, journalists were silenced, citizens were assaulted and democracy was throttled. We must ensure that those days never return.”

A mock parliament was organized at the Muktadhara Auditorium in Agartala on Monday by the Pradesh Mahila Morcha, drawing participation from a wide range of young women and political leaders. The event saw the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, MP Rajiv Bhattacharya, BJP State Vice-President Bhagwan Chandra Das, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and Pradesh Mahila Morcha President Mimi Majumdar, among others.

Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha reflected on India’s political history, particularly the Emergency period of 1975. “Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, and democracy was murdered. Even journalists, the fourth pillar of democracy, were not spared. Shops and houses of common people were demolished, and Sanjay Gandhi assaulted citizens on the streets,” Dr. Saha said, adding that such authoritarian incidents triggered a massive people’s movement that ultimately restored democracy.

Highlighting the contributions of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the Chief Minister said, “He sacrificed his life for a united India. After his death, the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir was abolished. The BJP government today is working to give true dignity to the Constitution.”

Calling on the younger generation to engage with politics, Dr. Saha emphasized the need for political participation from families with no previous political background. “Our Prime Minister has also been encouraging this. Many parents are hesitant, but children in our state are talented. If they step forward, it will benefit both the state and the country,” he said.

He stressed that it is important for today’s youth especially those unaware of the Emergency to learn about that critical period. “The new generation must understand what happened during those dark days, so history is not repeated,” he asserted.

There was an active participation of women, particularly young women in the mock parliamentary proceedings. Pradesh Mahila Morcha President Mimi Majumdar said the initiative aimed to build political awareness and leadership skills among women and youth.

CM Dr Saha and Mahila Morcha President Majumdar were also accompanied by BJP state president & Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, and MLA Bhagaban Chandra Das.