Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commemorated the birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan, referring to JP as a “tireless champion for democracy and social justice.” Emphasizing JP’s role in empowering ordinary citizens and reinforcing Constitutional values, PM Modi remarked: “His clarion call for Sampoorna Kranti ignited a societal movement, envisioning a nation built on equality, ethics, and good governance.”
In his message on X, PM Modi noted that JP’s numerous mass movements resulted in a “socio-political awakening across India.” He criticized the Congress party for the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975, which saw JP forcibly arrested. He shared a page from JP’s book, “Prison Diary,” written during his time in incarceration. PM Modi quoted JP’s poignant reflections: “Every nail driven into the coffin of Indian democracy is like a nail driven into my heart.”
Jayaprakash Narayan, commonly known as JP, was a significant figure in India’s independence movement, a social reformer, and a political leader. Initially linked to socialist movements, he later emerged as a proponent of clean governance and democratic ideals. During the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, JP became the leader of the opposition against authoritarian rule. He called for a “Total Revolution,” rallying students, workers, and citizens to restore civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic institutions.
JP’s leadership spurred widespread protests, strikes, and demonstrations throughout India, uniting various opposition parties under the Janata Morcha. His efforts were crucial in generating a political and moral momentum that challenged the overreach of the Emergency. Following the end of the Emergency in 1977, his movement laid the groundwork for the Janata Party’s victory, marking the first time that the Congress party lost control at the national level.
