[dropcap]D[/dropcap]ays after BJP senior leader LK Advani told a leading daily that there could be return of emergency, prime minister Narendra Modi recalled the emergency period and termed it as India’s darkest period, as proclamation of emergency in India marks 40 years today.

Narendra Modi who inaugurated three development schemes to develop cities and towns has spoken his heart about emergency. Hailing late Jayaprakash Narayan, Modi said that a large number of people then resisted emergency and were jailed. The then government (Congress) made country into a jail, said Modi.

Explaining the horrific condition of the newspapers, Modi went on to say as to how newspapers were refrained from publishing fair views and how press came under scanner. Only All India Radio was allowed to function and it used to air what government deems it fit, added Modi.

Are these statements on press sending indirect signals to Chandrababu Naidu that they won’t be indulging in any acts that has to deal with curbing freedom of press? It’s a million dollar question.It is known that Andhra Pradesh CID recently served notices on a vernacular news channel for airing the alleged conversation of TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu.

(Phani B)