Wed Jun 25 21:11:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

On the 50th anniversary of the Indian Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi, political sparring is occurring in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut defended the Emergency as constitutional and criticized PM Modi’s administration, calling it an “unannounced emergency” citing alleged misuse of power and discrimination. He contrasted Indira Gandhi’s actions with the current government’s. Eknath Shinde, leader of a different Shiv Sena faction and Deputy Chief Minister, disputed Raut’s claim that Bal Thackeray supported the Emergency, citing contradictory statements from the past. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the Emergency as a “dark chapter” in Indian history and criticized the Congress party.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Politics Erupts Over Emergency Anniversary: Sena (UBT) Defends, BJP Condemns**

**Mumbai, June 26, 2025** – The 50th anniversary of the Indian Emergency has ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) defending the controversial period and the BJP vehemently condemning it.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, sparked outrage by stating that the Emergency was constitutional, permissible under the Indian Constitution in the face of internal security threats. He also sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11-year tenure, labelling it an “unannounced emergency” due to alleged abuses of power, including the discriminatory demolition of homes belonging to marginalized communities. Raut contrasted Indira Gandhi’s actions, stating that while she imposed the Emergency she was still constitutional, unlike the actions of today.

Raut’s remarks came after Prime Minister Modi designated the anniversary as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day).

The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance drew a sharp response from Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister and leader of a rival Shiv Sena faction. Shinde refuted claims that the late Bal Thackeray, founder of the undivided Shiv Sena, unequivocally supported the Emergency, pointing to past interviews where Thackeray expressed reservations about the move.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis further amplified the BJP’s condemnation, writing an article denouncing the Emergency as a “dark chapter” in Indian history and accusing the Congress party of undermining the Constitution and democratic institutions.

The debate over the Emergency continues to resonate deeply in Indian politics, highlighting the enduring divisions over its legacy and implications for Indian democracy.

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