Jodhpur, June 27 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, saying that the country was forced to endure the Emergency 50 years ago just to protect power and position. Referring to former CM Ashok Gehlot, Sharma questioned how he could now suggest that the BJP should forget the Emergency - a time when the Constitution was throttled, citizens were crushed, and democracy activists were jailed and tortured inhumanely. "That period cannot be forgotten for generations," he said. Sharma was speaking at the main event organised to observe 'Constitution Murder Day', marking the anniversary of the Emergency. Sharma said the Emergency witnessed extreme cruelty - people were imprisoned simply for chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", and their families were left helpless. Some of those jailed lost family members but were not allowed to perform their last rites. "I want to say clearly to the Congress - the Emergency was a sin, and the horrors of that time can never be forgotten," he said. The chief minister added that the country's Partition too was the result of a political push to occupy the Prime Minister's seat, against the will of Mahatma Gandhi. "Even the Emergency was imposed just to cling to power," Sharma said, adding that the Congress also toppled several elected governments across the country. He also criticised Gehlot for now calling the Emergency a "mistake" while his own government had discontinued the recognition and benefits being given to democracy fighters. Sharma praised the role of the RSS, Jan Sangh, and other organisations for supporting the families of those imprisoned during that time. Several former detainees of the Emergency also shared personal accounts during the event. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, CM Sharma attended the 11th convocation ceremony of IIT Jodhpur as the chief guest. He told students that convocation is not just a memory but a turning point in their lives. He added that the graduating class represents a powerful youth force that will help shape a developed India and Rajasthan. "Our government recognises the energy and innovation of the youth. We are investing in technology, startups, and education to create ample job opportunities," he said. He encouraged students to never stop learning and to always keep the spirit of "India First" in their actions. He also highlighted India's ancient contributions to science and mathematics, citing scholars like Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya, and said the state is actively working to position youth on global platforms through initiatives in renewable energy, AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and other fields. The government has set a target to grow Rajasthan's economy to $350 billion by 2030 and has already implemented investment projects worth over Rs.3.25 lakh crore. Under various skill development schemes, 1.5 lakh youth will be trained over the next two years, and new employment policies and assistance funds are being rolled out. On the occasion, Sharma also awarded degrees and medals to graduating students. IIT Jodhpur Board of Governors Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, Plaksha University VC Prof. Rudra Pratap, and Director Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal were present along with ministers and MLAs....