Mumbai, June 26 -- Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the Emergency imposition 50 years ago was unfortunate, but former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had apologised for proclaiming the widely criticised measure. Speaking at an event organised by labour unions in Mumbai, Pawar, a Congress ally, emphasised that defending fundamental rights of citizens was a sacrosanct act and people need to be cautious about guarding them even today. In a reference to the BJP-led government, Pawar maintained criticism of the current dispensation is frowned upon. "Even today criticism of the government in the media is not taken kindly. Journalists are threatened. There is a difference between declared and undeclared Emergency," the former Union minister noted. Praising veteran socialist late George Fernandes, the Rajya Sabha MP pointed out that he rose from a labour union leader to become a minister at the Centre. "He (Fernandes) had the power and strength to shutdown Mumbai with his bandh calls," Pawar said and recalled how his popularity among the working class ensured his victory over Congress heavyweight SK Patil, who was called the 'uncrowned king of Bombay' (now Mumbai), from the metropolis in the 1967 parliamentary polls. The 84-year-old parliamentarian described the Emergency as an unfortunate event, but added Indira Gandhi, who headed a Congress government, had apologized for imposing the measure characterised by the curtailment of fundamental rights, suppression of dissent, mass arrests and press censorship. "In my opinion, today is once again a time to remain vigilant. Given the current situation, we all must stand together. When the time comes, we will stand on the streets if needed," the NCP (SP) leader remarked. He also stated that the country and its parliamentary democracy must remain intact. "Whatever needs to be done to ensure that, we must be prepared to do it. With this mindset, we must move forward. And I believe that I will have all of your support in doing so," he added. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said India's democracy survived because of the struggle of the people who opposed the imposition of the Emergency, which led to the suspension of fundamental rights of citizens. Calling the Emergency a dark chapter when the Constitution, democracy and several institutions were trampled upon, he said it should never be forgotten. "The morale of political activists who were imprisoned was always high, and they fought tooth and nail to protect democracy in the country. They opposed the imposition of the Emergency and suspension of fundamental rights of citizens," said Fadnavis....