The programme at Ravindra Bhawan will see Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav felicitating those jailed during the 1975 Emergency.

A special programme will be held at the prestigious Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal on Friday to mark Emergency Day. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will be the chief guest at the event, which is expected to see participation from around 2,000 family members of those jailed during the Emergency period.

The event is being organised by the Loktantra Senani Sangh. Its president, Tapan Bhaumik, along with families of those imprisoned during the 21-month-long Emergency, will attend the programme.

The Chief Minister will personally honour the detainees and their families from the stage, officials said.

What is Emergency Day?

Emergency Day commemorates one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. It was on the midnight of June 25, 1975, that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi officially declared a state of Emergency in the country. The Emergency remained in force for 21 months, until March 21, 1977.

During this period, fundamental rights of Indian citizens were suspended, strict censorship was imposed on the press and media, and opposition leaders and social activists who opposed government policies were imprisoned without trial.

Significance of the Event

The Bhopal programme is part of the state government's efforts to recognise the contributions of those who fought to protect democratic values during that period. The felicitation ceremony is being seen as a gesture of gratitude towards the families who endured imprisonment and hardship for their political beliefs.

Organisers said the event will also serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and constitutional rights.

The state government has been organising such programmes across Madhya Pradesh to ensure that younger generations understand the historical significance of the Emergency and the sacrifices made by those who opposed it.

Further details about the event schedule and other dignitaries expected to attend are awaited.

Prime Minister flags pandemic, wars, energy crisis during Netherlands diaspora address; calls for unified action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a stark picture of the world's escalating challenges during his visit to the Netherlands on Friday, warning that if current conditions persist, decades of economic progress could unravel, pushing vast populations into poverty.

Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, Modi said this decade has emerged as a defining period of global instability. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by regional conflicts and an ongoing energy crisis, has created what he described as an unprecedented convergence of crises threatening worldwide prosperity.

"If the situation does not change, the progress made over many decades will be undone," Modi said, speaking before a gathering of Indian expatriates. "A very large section of the world's population could be pushed into a poverty trap."

Yet Modi tempered his warnings with optimism about India's economic trajectory. The country has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 200,000 active startups—a dramatic leap from just 500 ventures a decade ago.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's digital payment revolution as evidence of transformative growth. India processed more than 20 billion UPI transactions in the past year alone, accounting for over half of the globe's digital transactions. He also noted that 44 crore new startups were registered in 2025, signalling a shift in mindset among India's youth toward entrepreneurship.

"Startups have become a mindset," Modi said, adding that unicorn valuations have surged from 4 in 2014 to 125 today.Modi positioned the Netherlands as a strategic entry point for Indian businesses seeking to expand into Europe, praising the Indian diaspora for creating trusted bridges between the two nations.

He drew a symbolic parallel between Dutch tulips and Indian lotuses—both flowers requiring strong roots and proper nurturing to flourish. The metaphor, he suggested, reflected the deeper partnership between India and the Netherlands, rooted in shared values and mutual growth.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged sporting connections, noting that the Dutch cricket team's performance at the recent T20 World Cup held in India demonstrated the nations' collaborative spirit.

India is advancing rapidly in semiconductor manufacturing, with work underway on 12 plants. Production has already commenced at two facilities, Modi announced, signalling India's intent to design and manufacture chips domestically rather than remain dependent on imports.

He also referenced India's progress in artificial intelligence and associated technologies, positioning the country as an emerging hub in global tech innovation.

Modi reflected on the significance of May 16, 2014—the date when election results delivered India a stable government with an absolute majority following decades of coalition politics. The mandate, he said, continues to motivate his work.

Recent state elections underscored India's democratic vitality. Voter turnout reached 80–90% in some contests, with women's participation proving particularly robust. Modi characterised these figures as evidence that democratic institutions strengthen when people's aspirations are fulfilled.

"India's aspiration-driven journey is strengthening its democracy," he remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that despite global migration, Indian cultural identity remains deeply rooted among overseas communities. He sensed the presence of migrants from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam in The Hague, calling them ambassadors of India's faith, culture, and values.

Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and people, conveying best wishes from India's 1.4 billion citizens. He noted that Dutch leadership has consistently praised the Indian diaspora's contributions to society and the economy.

During the visit, the Netherlands returned the 11th-century 'Anaimangalam Copper Plates' to India—a significant cultural moment. Known locally as the 'Leiden Plates,' the artefact dates to Raja Raja Chola I's reign (985–1014 CE).

The copper inscriptions, comprising 21 large and 3 small plates weighing approximately 30 kg, document land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. Historians regard the plates as crucial records of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and religious pluralism between South India and Southeast Asia during the medieval period.

Modi is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima before holding detailed discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Fresh allegations of voter intimidation are coming out of West Bengal.

People in several parts of the state say local political workers have been going door to door, warning residents not to vote for the BJP.

As the West Bengal Assembly Elections heat up, reports of intimidation are popping up across multiple districts. Some residents claim groups linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have shown up late at night, threatening voters face to face.

One video making the rounds online shows a local leader threatening “consequences” for anyone who doesn’t vote for the ruling party, warning that things will change once central forces leave. In another incident, cameras caught Indian Secular Front (ISF) agents reportedly finding people in the act of trying to influence voters during the second round of voting.

The BJP has taken their concerns straight to the Election Commission, asking for more central forces to patrol sensitive areas. “TMC goons are going door to door because they’re scared of losing,” a BJP spokesperson said.

The TMC leadership, on the other hand, says all these claims are made up. According to them, the opposition just wants to whip up fake panic and fear.

Tension hangs heavy, especially in rural booths. “They show up after dark,” one villager said, asking not to be named. “They don’t need weapons. Their words alone make us worry about what’ll happen once the election is over.”

Symbolic win: Bastin Bazar temple reopening called "power of one vote"

People in Asansol’s Bastin Bazar are celebrating the reopening of the Durga temple, and for them, it’s more than just a new government in place—it’s about finally getting back access to their own temple. After 15 years of being shut out, locals can now visit the temple for daily darshan.

Social media is full of posts with the message “This is what one vote did,” making it clear just how much the recent election meant to the people who backed the BJP.

This temple has always been at the heart of the busy market and community life in Bastin Bazar. The 15-year closure—locals say TMC’s political interference was to blame—left a lot of them angry and frustrated.

MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee, who led the reopening, called it the start of a “new era of religious freedom” in Asansol. The TMC has dismissed claims about political interference, saying it’s just communal talk, but the huge crowd at the temple’s reopening shows the issue mattered deeply to the community.

For now, the temple will stay open all year, with appointed priests handling the daily rituals.

Bangladesh Political Crisis Deepens Amid Democratic Struggle

Dhaka is witnessing one of its most turbulent political phases in decades. Widespread protests, political assassinations, and a fragile interim government have created a volatile atmosphere. The assassination of youth leader Sharif Usman Hadi, co-founder of Inquilab Manch, has sparked national outrage and renewed debates about democratic suppression, foreign interference, and the direction of governance.

The Bangladesh political crisis has now turned into a struggle between democratic ideals and authoritarian tendencies—raising serious questions about the future of the nation’s institutions and electoral legitimacy.

The Interim Government Under Muhammad Yunus Under Fire

Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus insists his administration is steering reforms, promising elections in early February 2026. Yet, his ban on the Awami League’s political activities has drawn domestic and international criticism. Journalists and civil society leaders question how elections can be “free and fair” when the largest party in the country remains politically restricted.

During a recent Al Jazeera interview, Yunus denied banning the Awami League outright but admitted that their political engagement “stands suspended.” This doublespeak has only deepened distrust among citizens and exposed the fragile nature of the interim setup.

Political analysts note that Yunus’s populist approach may have weakened institutional accountability, as rising unemployment, corruption, and disinformation dominate public life. Bangladesh, once hailed as South Asia’s economic miracle under Sheikh Hasina, now faces economic decline and social unrest.

India’s Balancing Act and Regional Implications

Amid this turmoil, India-Bangladesh relations are being tested. Some Bangladeshi commentators falsely blamed India for Hadi’s assassination, fueling anti-India narratives. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs firmly denied any involvement, emphasizing its commitment to peace and stability in the neighborhood.

Experts believe India continues to support Bangladesh’s democratic process rather than any specific leader. New Delhi’s long-standing cooperation on security, energy, and development remains vital. Observers urge India to respond with diplomacy and humanitarian outreach—providing aid, food support, and cultural engagement rather than direct political interference.

Such actions, analysts say, could counter extremist propaganda, promote socio-economic stability, and protect India’s security interests by preventing refugee inflows across the border.

Cultural Identity and the Battle for Bangladesh’s Soul

The unrest has also become a cultural conflict. Radical groups targeting media offices and cultural centers have tried to erase Bangladesh’s Bengali identity—a heritage rooted in Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of harmony and inclusiveness. This ideological shift toward extremist nationalism threatens the tolerant foundations on which Bangladesh was born in 1971.

Defending cultural freedom, protecting journalists, and rebuilding damaged institutions have become crucial for Bangladesh to rediscover its democratic soul.

Conclusion: A Nation in Transition

As Bangladesh prepares for its delayed elections, one question looms large—can democracy survive when its core institutions are under attack? The Bangladesh political crisis is not only a leadership test but a moral one for both the government and its people.

India and the global community are watching closely. Whether Bangladesh reclaims its democratic promise or slides further toward authoritarianism will define South Asia’s political balance in the years ahead.