The Indian government has designated June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. Announced by the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government, the declaration was made through a gazette notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs. On June 25, 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of Emergency, which lasted until March 21, 1977.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is intended to remind the nation of the constitutional violations that occurred during the Emergency. He emphasized that the day serves to honor those who suffered during this period, which he referred to as a dark phase in Indian history inflicted by the Congress party.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah supported this declaration, noting that the day will honor those who endured the hardships of the Emergency and highlight the importance of individual freedom and democracy. He criticized the Congress party for the oppressive measures taken during that time, which included mass imprisonments and suppression of the media.
In response, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the government’s decision, calling it hypocritical and referencing recent political events.
In Parliament, Speaker Om Birla condemned the Emergency and recognized the sacrifices made by those who opposed it, labeling June 25, 1975, as a dark chapter in India’s history. He underscored that the Emergency was a severe attack on India’s democratic values and freedom of expression.
