Democracy Was ‘Arrested’: PM Modi on June 25, 1975
He declared June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to remind future generations of how a democratically elected government imposed dictatorship, suspended civil liberties, and jailed political opponents, students, and activists.
Congress Accused of Undermining Constitution
Modi accused the Congress of undermining the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment and silencing the media during the Emergency. He saluted the resistance movement and said, “We remember the struggle of thousands who fought to safeguard India’s democratic fabric.”
He also urged citizens, especially the youth, to read “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader”, a new book documenting the resistance and Modi’s own role as an RSS Pracharak during that time.
Top BJP Leaders Join the Attack
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda echoed Modi’s criticism. Rajnath Singh called the Emergency a “nefarious attempt to strangle democracy.”
Amit Shah said, “Emergency taught us what happens when a leader becomes a dictator. It’s vital that the nation never forgets this chapter.” He confirmed the day will be officially observed as ‘Constitution Assassination Day’ each year.
JP Nadda added that Congress continues to operate with a “dictatorial mindset,” pointing to its past actions against journalists and opposition voices.
Jaishankar and Dhankhar Call for Democratic Vigilance
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called the Emergency a painful reminder of how accountability was crushed and institutions were weakened.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke at an event in Muzaffarpur, calling it a “Kaala Diwas” and praised Bihar’s legacy in resisting authoritarianism through Jayaprakash Narayan’s call for ‘Sampoorna Kranti’.
Conclusion: ‘Never Again’
The 50th anniversary of the Emergency has sparked intense political discourse. While the BJP has used the occasion to highlight Congress’s authoritarian past, the broader message is clear—India must safeguard democracy, civil liberties, and constitutional values at all costs.
