CM Mohan Yadav Honours Democracy Fighters, Announces New Welfare Schemes

Bhopal June 26, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday honoured democracy fighters who were jailed during the 1975-77 Emergency, saying their struggle helped safeguard democratic values and enabled India to emerge as the world's largest democracy. Addressing the state-level Loktantra Senani Pradeshik Sammelan at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal, he also announced a series of welfare measures, including a special pilgrimage train, free accommodation at government rest houses and enhanced healthcare facilities for recognised democracy fighters.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp and welcomed the participants with a floral tribute. He felicitated 96-year-old democracy fighter Laxmi Narayan Patidar, 95-year-old Shanti Lal Sanghvi and former minister Umashankar Gupta. A short film on the Emergency was also screened during the programme.

Recalling the period of Emergency, Dr Yadav described it as one of the most challenging phases in independent India. He said thousands of people were imprisoned without due legal process and families of those detained faced severe hardships. According to him, many detainees were allegedly pressured to support the then Congress government in return for their release.

"The struggle of democracy fighters was no less significant than the freedom movement. Because of your sacrifices, democracy remains secure in the country today. It is due to this democratic system that a person from a poor family could become the Prime Minister of India," the Chief Minister said. He added that India today stands as the world's largest democratic nation because of those who defended democratic institutions during difficult times.

Launching a sharp political attack on the Congress, Dr Yadav alleged that the party had repeatedly misused constitutional provisions and weakened democratic institutions. He said Congress leaders speak about protecting the Constitution despite, having misused it during their decades in power. Drawing comparisons with neighbouring Pakistan, he said India had strengthened its democratic institutions while Pakistan continued to face political instability. The Chief Minister also referred to the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying the organisation had stood by the nation whenever required and contributed to national service during challenging times.

State president of the Loktantra Senani Sangh, Tapan Bhowmik, said the conference honoured those who were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency. He noted that Madhya Pradesh has continued the tradition of recognising democracy fighters for the past decade. He also pointed out that Dr Yadav's father had himself been a MISA detainee, giving the Chief Minister first-hand understanding of the hardships faced by affected families. National president of the organisation and former MP Kailash Soni said the gathering marked 51 years since the Emergency. He described Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan as a symbol of the democratic movement and urged that democracy fighters across the country be accorded the same status as freedom fighters.

Former Governor and senior BJP leader Kaptan Singh Solanki said the sacrifices of democracy fighters should continue to be recognised by future generations. He noted that the Madhya Pradesh government currently provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 30,000 to recognised democracy fighters and has institutionalised programmes to honour their contribution. Solanki urged that democracy fighters across the country be granted the same status as freedom fighters and suggested that the financial assistance extended to them should be exempted from income tax. He also welcomed the state's efforts to issue certificates and extend welfare benefits to eligible democracy fighters.

During the event, Dr Yadav announced several new initiatives. A special train will be introduced for the pilgrimage of democracy fighters. They will be allowed to stay free of cost for two days at state government rest houses and circuit houses. Memorial plaques will be installed in villages and towns in the names of deceased democracy fighters, while parks, roads and playgrounds may also be named after them. The government will provide free medical treatment, air ambulance facilities where required, and ensure that those yet to receive commemorative Tamrapatras are issued them soon. The Chief Minister said the government would continue to honour democracy fighters and also consider their suggestions for the welfare and development of the state.