'Dark Days of Democracy!' BJP leaders hit out at Congress on 1975 Emergency anniversary; June 25 to be observed as "Samvidhan Hatya Divas"

The Government of India has formally declared June 25 as "Constitution Murder Day," a day to remember the tumultuous events of the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this decision, highlighting its significance in honoring those who endured hardships during that period.

"On 25 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showing her dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of Indian democracy by imposing an emergency in the country," Shah remarked in a statement shared on social media platform X.

He underscored the severe impact of the Emergency, which led to the unjust imprisonment of thousands and stifled the voices of dissent, including strict censorship of the media.

The commemoration of "Constitution Murder Day" aims to uphold the memory of those who courageously opposed the Emergency's authoritarian measures. Shah emphasized that this annual observance serves as a reminder to safeguard democratic values and individual freedoms in India.

Recently, on June 26, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning the 1975 Emergency. Speaker Om Birla described June 25 as a dark chapter in India's history, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who defended democracy.

"This House strongly condemns the decision to impose emergency in the country in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who strongly opposed the emergency, fought an unprecedented struggle and took the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India," Birla stated during the session.

The 1975 Emergency period was marked by widespread political turmoil and severe restrictions on civil liberties. It witnessed the arbitrary arrest of political opponents, activists, and journalists, along with stringent censorship measures imposed on media outlets.

The Emergency was lifted in 1977 following significant public outcry and electoral defeat for the ruling party, signaling a triumph for India's democratic resilience.

Today, the designation of June 25 as "Constitution Murder Day" serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by democratic freedoms and the ongoing necessity to defend them against authoritarian impulses.

Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a strong attack on the Congress on the 49th anniversary of the Emergency. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described it as the biggest example of the opposition party's long history of harming democracy. BJP President J.P. Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condemned the Congress for its actions during the Emergency period.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted, "Today is a day to pay homage to all those great men and women who resisted the Emergency. The dark days of Emergency remind us of how the Congress Party subverted basic freedoms and trampled over the Constitution of India which every Indian respects greatly. The mindset which led to the imposition of the Emergency is very much alive among the same Party which imposed it. They hide their disdain for the Constitution through their tokenism but the people of India have seen through their antics and that is why they have rejected them time and again"

Amit Shah's Remarks on 1975 Emergency

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the severe impact of the Emergency, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. In his post on 'X', Shah said, "The arrogant and autocratic Congress government had suspended people's civil rights for 21 months for the sake of power to one family. Censorship was imposed on the media, the Constitution was amended, and even the judiciary was restrained." He paid tribute to those who fought against the Emergency.

1975 Emergency: Nadda's Criticism

BJP President J.P. Nadda took to 'X' to criticize the Congress for its politically driven decision to impose a state of Emergency. He said, "The Congress' politically driven decision to impose a state of Emergency had shaken the very pillars of democracy as it tried to trample over the Constitution given by B.R. Ambedkar." Nadda added, "During this period, those who today claim to be guardians of Indian democracy left no effort to suppress voices raised in defense of constitutional values. I am proud that our Party belongs to that tradition which resisted the Emergency tooth and nail and worked to protect democracy."

1975 Emergency: Defence Minister's View

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the Emergency as a "black chapter" in Indian democracy. In his post on 'X', Singh stated, "Dictatorship and misuse of power were on brazen display during the period, and it raises a big question mark on the commitment to democracy of several political parties."

1975 Emergency: Modi's Call to Prevent Future Emergencies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also invoked the Emergency to criticize the Congress and urged people to ensure it is never repeated. He emphasized that the Congress had made efforts to suppress constitutional values for power.

Jaishankar took to social media platform X to write, "On the anniversary of the declaration of Emergency, recall the dark period for Indian democracy and the courage shown by those who resisted that challenge. The collective response of the nation defined our generation. It will remain a constant reminder of the need to keep working to protect, preserve and fight for our democracy."

1975 Emergency: Opposition's Response

The BJP's criticism came amid a coordinated campaign by opposition parties to accuse Modi's government of working against the Constitution. Congress and other opposition members carried copies of the Constitution in Parliament on Monday as the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha began.

(With inputs from PTI)