Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that democracy is an integral part of Indian civilization and culture. It is not just a system of governance, but the soul and identity of our lifestyle. He said that democracy is ingrained in the Indian psyche since ancient times and its roots are deep in our traditions. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the regional conference of democracy fighters at the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday. On this occasion, while appreciating the invaluable contribution of democracy fighters in strengthening democracy, he said that our present democracy is the result of their tireless struggle and sacrifice. Today we are living in a strong and accountable democratic system, democracy fighters are at its core. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that democracy makes the government accountable, gives rights to the citizens and ensures freedom of expression to every person. The democratic system is the basis for maintaining unity in our diversity.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav called upon everyone that it is our moral duty to carry forward this legacy of democracy. He said that we are the largest democracy in the world. The world looks at us with amazement to see how deep the roots of democracy are here. India is the father of democracy in the true sense. He said that we will all fight together against the opposing forces that harm democracy. On this occasion, the Chief Minister made an announcement in the interest of democracy fighters and said that now all democracy fighters above the age of 70 years will be given free treatment through Ayushman Card and the facility of PM Air Ambulance if required. He said that the state government has decided to celebrate the year 2025 as the year of employment and industry. The government is bringing new schemes every day to bring light in the lives of the people of the state. If eligible, the family members of democracy fighters will also be given benefits as per priority in all these government schemes. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for the welfare of democracy fighters and their families.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Karnataka Governor Shri Thawarchand Gehlot and other guests also released ‘MISA Patrika’ and an ‘Emergency Diary’ based on the memoirs related to letters, thoughts, articles written by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Emergency. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav honored Karnataka Governor Shri Gehlot, former Haryana Governor Shri Kaptan Singh Solanki, Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat and MP Hindi Granth Academy President Shri Ashok Kadel by giving them copper plates as a mark of respect for being democracy fighters. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Minister in charge will honor all democracy fighters in the districts under their charge by giving them copper plates.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Central Government has declared 25th June as Constitution Hatya Diwas. Today, on 26th June, Loktantra Senani Regional Conference is being held. I got a chance to understand in my childhood what were the challenges of Loktantra Senani during the Emergency. A former Prime Minister had imposed Emergency on the country to maintain his rule. The country paid a heavy price for that Emergency. The entire country will remember the struggle of the then Loktantra Senani to save democracy. At that time, the Congress government had dissolved the elected governments. During the Congress rule, one of its senior leaders had insulted the elected government and the Constitution by tearing the copy of the ordinance.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that during the tenure of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Supreme Court of the country gave big decisions like Shri Ram Janmabhoomi dispute and triple talaq. He said that the present government has taken unprecedented steps for the promotion of the Constitution and democracy. It has been ensured at every level that every person contributes in choosing the government of the country, state and his city.
Karnataka Governor Shri Thawarchand Gehlot said that India is the largest democratic country in the world. To strengthen it further, the fighters of democracy have done a lot of penance. During the Emergency, 46 ordinances were issued. During the Emergency, constitutional freedom was abolished and people were banned from speaking. Currently, democracy fighters are being honored ceremonially in more than 12 states of the country, but the government of Madhya Pradesh gave the most facilities to the democracy fighters. This conference is a powerful medium to tell people what happened during the Emergency on 25 June 1975. After 75 years of independence, India has made unprecedented progress in every field. He said that today environmental imbalance i.e. global warming is a big challenge. We all have to come forward to deal with it. He said that today India’s economy has reached a high position in the world. The centenary of independence will be celebrated in 2047, by then we will be the leader in the world. He thanked the State President of Loktantra Senani Sangh, Shri Tapan Bhowmik for this successful event.
On this occasion, National President of Loktantra Senani Sangh, Shri Kailash Soni said that the present government of Madhya Pradesh is continuously carrying forward the tradition of honouring the Loktantra Senanis. Throwing light on the beauty of democracy, he said that the person who was once put in jail, he (Shri Thawarchand Gehlot) is the Governor today due to this democratic system. Emergency was imposed in the country at midnight on 25 June 1975. Then no cabinet meeting was held and emergency was imposed suddenly with a dictatorial attitude. If the then President had asked for the proposal of the cabinet, then perhaps the country would not have to face the emergency. He said that under the leadership of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state government is continuously moving forward in the direction of all-round development of the state. This is a big achievement in itself. He said that whenever the Congress government came, the Samman Nidhi of Loktantra Senanis was stopped.
Before this, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and other guests inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp. On this occasion, Vande Mataram was sung and democracy fighters were felicitated. The Loktantra Senani Sangh thanked Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the honour. On this occasion, a short film made by the Central Government related to the imposition of emergency in the country was also screened.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of State for Skill Development and Employment (Independent Charge) Shri Gautam Tetwal, Minister of State for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Bhopal MP Shri Alok Sharma, MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, MLA Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, MLA Shri Ajay Vishnoi, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, State Sangh Chalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Shri Ashok Pandey, Patron of Loktantra Senani Sangh Shri Meghraj Jain along with a large number of Loktantra Senanis from across the state and their family members and other public representatives were present in the conference. The program was conducted by Loktantra Senani and retired senior officer of Public Relations Department Shri Surendra Dwivedi.
