Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid tribute to those who resisted the Emergency imposed in 1975, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history and a direct assault on Indian Constitution.
Sharing a post on X with hashtag “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas”, PM Modi said, “Today, we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, the Emergency. The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy.”
“At the same time, it also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution. For all of us, our Constitution is an embodiment of the aspirations, rights and duties of 140 crore Indians. We reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding constitutional values. Guided by the spirit of our Constitution, we will build an India that remains ever committed to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity,” the Prime Minister added.
HM Shah said that the Emergency was imposed due to the “arrogance and greed for power” of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party, which, he said, sought to crush the spirit of the Constitution, freedom of the press and the right to free expression.
In a post on X, the Home Minister said, “On the occasion of Constitution Murder Day, I pay my respectful homage to all those warriors of democracy who fought against the Emergency to protect democratic values.”
HM Shah said that the Narendra Modi government’s decision to observe June 25 as Constitution Murder Day is intended to keep alive the memory of the Emergency and educate future generations about the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
The Home Minister said the observance of “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” serves as a reminder of the consequences of authoritarian governance and aims to ensure that such an assault on democracy and constitutional principles is never repeated.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered the Emergency as a period when democratic rights and institutions came under severe strain. He said freedom of speech and expression was restricted, attempts were made to undermine the judiciary, and the rights of millions of citizens were violated.
Singh said the Emergency serves as a reminder of the dangers posed when those in power adopt authoritarian tendencies. He said the observance of the day is not only about remembering a difficult chapter of the past but also about renewing the nation’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The Defence Minister asserted that the government under PM Modi remains committed to upholding the Constitution in both letter and spirit while strengthening democratic institutions across the country.
Singh also paid homage to all those who opposed the Emergency and fought against what he described as its excesses and injustices. He said the nation remains indebted to individuals who courageously defended democracy and constitutional values during that period.
