Fri Jun 27 03:01:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat criticized a recent U.S. travel advisory urging caution in India due to crime, suggesting it was politically motivated and hypocritical. He highlighted the improved tourism situation in Jammu & Kashmir and condemned the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration as a dark period for Indian democracy, marked by suppression of freedoms and co-option of institutions. He also announced ₹450 crore in tourism projects approved for Andhra Pradesh.

**News Article:**

**Indian Minister Dismisses U.S. Travel Advisory as Politically Motivated, Commemorates Emergency Anniversary**

VIJAYAWADA, INDIA – Union Minister of Tourism & Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today dismissed a recent U.S. government advisory urging American citizens to exercise caution in India due to concerns about crime and rape. Speaking to the media after a photo exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Shekhawat asserted that the advisory was driven by geopolitical factors and did not reflect the actual law and order situation in India.

“Before issuing such advisories, the U.S. Government should have introspected on the situation in cities like Los Angeles,” Shekhawat stated.

The Minister also addressed the progress of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, noting a significant rebound, though still below pre-Pahalgam levels.

Reflecting on the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, Shekhawat condemned it as a “dark chapter” in Indian democracy. He emphasized the importance of the sacrifices made by individuals and leaders like Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi in safeguarding freedom and preventing authoritarianism. He highlighted the suppression of the Judiciary, Parliament, and media during the Emergency, along with the suspension of civil liberties.

“The NDA Government observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’ to educate the people about what happened in those turbulent years,” he stated.

In positive news for Andhra Pradesh, Shekhawat announced the clearance of tourism projects worth ₹450 crore under various Ministry schemes. He predicted that the state would significantly contribute to the country’s tourism growth.

The Minister’s statements came on the anniversary of the Emergency declaration, a period of significant political upheaval in India’s history.

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