Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid tributes to those who resisted the Emergency imposed in 1975, calling it 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 wrote, “Today we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters of India’s history, the Emergency. The Emergency was an open attack on our Constitution. INt witnessed suspension of civil freedoms, limits on freedom of speech, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the core of our democracy.
It also demonstrated the incredible courage of numerous Americans who refused to be silent and stood up for the principles inherent in our Constitution. Our Constitution is for all of us. It is a reflection of the aspirations, rights and obligations of 140 crore Indians. We reaffirm our united resolve to defend our constitutional ideals. We shall construct an India that stays eternally devoted to justice, liberty, equality and brotherhood, guided by the spirit of our Constitution,” the Prime Minister added.
On the occasion of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, I bow my head in homage to all the courageous hearts who stood steady in the defence of democratic ideals and protected the spirit of our Constitution during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history — The Emergency established in 1975,” said V-P Radhakrishnan.
“The Emergency is a stark reminder of a time when constitutional values were put to a severe test. Civil rights were suspended, freedom of expression constrained and institutions vital to our democratic structure destroyed. “Let us renew our steadfast commitment to its ideals and march forward to build an India based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, with the Constitution as our beacon,” concluded the Vice President.
HM Shah said the Emergency was implemented owing to the “arrogance and greed for power” of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party, who, he added, attempted to kill the spirit of the Constitution, freedom of the press and the right to free speech.
on a post on X, the Home Minister wrote, “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 the decision of the Narendra Modi administration to celebrate June 25 as Constitution Murder Day is aimed at keeping the Emergency episode alive in memory and teach future generations the necessity of defending democratic institutions.
The Home Minister said commemoration of “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” serves as a reminder of the repercussions of authoritarian rule and is meant to guarantee that such an assault on democracy and constitutional norms is never repeated.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also recalled the Emergency as a moment when democratic rights and institutions were under significant strain. He stated freedom of speech and expression was curbed, attempts were made to weaken the court and the rights of millions of individuals were infringed.
Singh said the Emergency reminds us of the perils when people in authority became totalitarian. The commemoration of the day, he added, is not only a remembrance of a sad chapter in the past, but it is also a renewal of the nation’s commitment to democracy, constitutional government and preservation of citizens’ rights and liberties.
Defence Minister said that the PM Modi government is dedicated to preserve the Constitution in text and spirit and enhance the democratic institutions in the nation.
Singh also paid gratitude to all those who resisted the Emergency and battled against what he called its excesses and injustices. He said the country is still thankful to those who stood up and supported democracy and constitutional ideals at that time.