Ex-MLA defends Indira Gandhi, criticises BJP
Mangaluru: Former minister and senior Congress functionary B Ramanath Rai said that the BJP has no moral right to criticise former Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi
and the Emergency. "They BJP should remember that poor people benefited following the reforms introduced during the Emergency," said Rai.
Rai told reporters on Friday, that the BJP levelled allegations against Indira Gandhi in the name of the Emergency. He stated that the people of Dakshina Kannada owe a debt to Indira Gandhi as they are beneficiaries of various pro-people policies of the then govt. The nationalisation of banks, land reforms, and other welfare programmes introduced by Indira Gandhi benefited the poor. Rai added that the opposition opposed Indira Gandhi and the Emergency for political reasons.
Rai noted that after Indira Gandhi lost the election following the Emergency, the Congress candidate won in Dakshina Kannada due to the reforms introduced by Indira Gandhi. He said Indira Gandhi initiated the Blue Star operation for the unity and integrity of the country.
Furthermore, he alleged that the BJP at the Centre is now misusing the Enforcement Directorate to target the opposition, including the Congress.
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