The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is observing June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day'. This day marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will deliver a speech at a program organized by the Ministry of Culture at the Thyagaraj Stadium. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are also expected to attend the event.
Several BJP leaders have reminisced about the days of the Emergency. In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, when the Emergency was imposed. The people of India observe this day as 'Constitution Murder Day'. On this day, the core values of the Indian Constitution were disregarded, fundamental rights suspended, press freedom curbed, and numerous political leaders, social activists, students, and ordinary citizens jailed. It seemed as though the ruling Congress government at the time had arrested democracy itself."
He further added, "No Indian will ever forget how the spirit of our constitution was violated, how the voice of Parliament was silenced, and efforts were made to control the courts. The 42nd amendment stands as a prominent example of their actions. The poor, marginalized, and downtrodden, in particular, were targeted, and even their dignity was dishonored."
'I was a young RSS campaigner...'
Narendra Modi stated that they salute every individual who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency. These were people from across India, from varying backgrounds and ideologies, united in one purpose: to protect India's democratic framework and uphold the ideals for which our freedom fighters dedicated their lives. Their collective struggle ensured that the Congress government of the time had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, in which they suffered a severe defeat.
The Prime Minister stated, "We reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the principles within our constitution and work together to realize our dream of a developed India. Let us reach new heights of progress and fulfill the dreams of the poor and downtrodden."
PM Modi shared that during the imposition of the Emergency, he was a young campaigner with RSS. The anti-Emergency movement was an educational experience for him, emphasizing the importance of preserving our democratic framework. It also allowed him to learn abundantly from people across the political spectrum. He expressed happiness that BlueKraft Digital Foundation has compiled some of those experiences into a book, for which H.D. Deve Gowda, himself a veteran of the anti-Emergency movement, penned the foreword.
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'It wasn't just a political event...'
Andhra Pradesh's Deputy CM, Pawan Kalyan, mentioned in a social media post, "The 'Emergency' of 25-06-1975 was one of the darkest chapters in independent India's history. It wasn't just a political event; it was a direct betrayal of the constitution, a mockery of democracy, and a symbol of the then Congress leadership's power lust."
He further noted that the press was silenced, the opposition's voice was crushed, and fundamental rights were suspended. Great leaders like Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, George Fernandes, and Morarji Desai, among many others, were jailed for standing up to defend democracy.
JP Nadda, the BJP national president, said, "On the midnight of June 25, 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked an Emergency under the pretext of 'internal unrest,' essentially murdering the country's constitution. Fifty years on, the Congress retains the same authoritarian mindset."
'An Unofficial Emergency Today...'
RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari noted, "Seeing defeat in Bihar elections, BJP is reminded of the Emergency. The Emergency reminder by BJP is eclipsed by a worse situation today. We are facing an undeclared Emergency in the country today, and a bigger battle lies ahead."
'The Nation Will Never Forget...'
Neeraj Kumar from Bihar BJP stated, "On this day, a dark chapter was written in the nation, where a family, in their quest for power, imposed an Emergency. Congress still doesn't miss a chance to insult the constitution and constitutional institutions. The nation will never forget how Indira Gandhi jailed millions for her power."
Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party is marking 'Constitution Defense Day'. SP leader Ravidas Mehrotra states, "June 25 marks fifty years since the complete murder of the constitution and democracy, where governance was done through dictatorship. During the Emergency, we were imprisoned, and we have decided to observe June 25 as 'Constitution Defense Day'. We will wear black bands and pledge to defend the constitution."
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'28 Months of Opposition Rule...'
As BJP celebrates 50 years since the Emergency, Congress leader Tariq Anwar reminded, "I would like to remind them that post-Emergency, the opposition ruled for 28 months, and when general elections were held again, Indira Gandhi returned to power with a sweeping majority. After that, Congress won several elections. BJP can say what it wants, but when Indira Gandhi was re-elected as Prime Minister, the public gave its answer to the Emergency."
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted in a social media post, "June 25, 1975, remains the darkest chapter in India's democratic history, unforgettable to the nation. The suffering of innocent civilians thrown into jails, the plight of their families, and the brutal assault on democracy will forever remain inscribed in history. Congress, by imposing Emergency overnight, proved its priority for power over democracy and constitution."
He further added, "On 'Constitution Murder Day', I bow to all democratic warriors who sacrificed everything to protect the constitution and uphold democratic values. Every sacrifice made during the Emergency to fight against tyranny is India's invaluable legacy. Their tremendous contribution further strengthened the roots of Indian democracy."
Shivraj asserted, "Today, let's reinforce our commitment to protecting the constitution and pledge never again to allow such chaotic, undemocratic, and arrogant forces to come to power on Indian soil. We stand eternally dedicated to the immortality of our constitution and democracy."
