New Delhi, June 25, 2025: Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the Congress, calling the period one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.
In a series of posts on X, PM Modi accused the then Indira Gandhi-led Congress government of placing democracy under arrest. He emphasized that no Indian would forget how the Constitution was violated and fundamental rights were suspended during the Emergency from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
“It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest,” wrote PM Modi.
Criticism of the 42nd Amendment
The Prime Minister also criticized the 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency, calling it a clear example of Congress’s constitutional manipulation. The amendment made sweeping changes to the Constitution, many of which were reversed by the Janata Party government through the 43rd and 44th Amendments.
Emergency Declared in 1975
The Emergency was imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi citing “internal disturbances.” It resulted in suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and mass arrests of political opponents, activists, and students. It ended only after Gandhi was forced to call for elections in 1977, where the Congress suffered a heavy defeat.
Targeting the Downtrodden
PM Modi alleged that the poor and marginalized were disproportionately targeted during this period. “Their dignity was insulted, and their voices suppressed,” he said.
He added, “We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
Remembering the Resistance
The Prime Minister paid tribute to citizens from all walks of life who resisted the Emergency. “These individuals from different ideologies came together to protect the democratic fabric of India,” Modi noted. “Their efforts forced the Congress government to restore democracy.”
Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
Last year, the government declared June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Killing Day). This move aims to ensure that future generations remember the Emergency not just as a historical event, but as a lesson in safeguarding democracy.
Looking Ahead
With the Lok Sabha elections just months away, political observers see Modi’s remarks as a sharp reminder of the BJP’s ideological stance. It reinforces the narrative that the BJP sees itself as the true guardian of democratic values in contrast to Congress’s past actions.