New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today marked the solemn occasion of the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency by paying heartfelt tributes to the countless Indians who steadfastly defended democracy during one of the nation’s darkest chapters.
Recalling the grave assault on constitutional values, the Prime Minister stated that June 25th is observed as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day). He highlighted that on this day, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and a vast number of political leaders, social workers, students, and ordinary citizens were unjustly imprisoned. “It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest!” Shri Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister emphasized that “No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts.” He specifically cited the 42nd Amendment as a prime example of these “shenanigans,” noting that “The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted.”
Shri Modi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the principles enshrined in the Constitution and working collaboratively to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He stated that the anti-Emergency movement served as a crucial learning experience, reaffirming the vitality of preserving India’s democratic framework.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister called upon all those who remember the dark days of the Emergency, or whose families suffered during that time, to share their experiences on social media. This initiative, he explained, aims to create awareness among the youth about the shameful period from 1975 to 1977.
“We salute every person who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency!” Shri Modi posted. “These were the people from all over India, from all walks of life, from diverse ideologies who worked closely with each other with one aim: to protect India’s democratic fabric and to preserve the ideals for which our freedom fighters devoted their lives. It was their collective struggle that ensured that the then Congress Government had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost.”
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the nation’s resolve to achieve new heights of progress and fulfill the dreams of the poor and downtrodden.