Today(on 12th July),Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day) to commemorate the imposition of Emergency in 1975 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Shah highlighted the declaration on social media, stressing the importance of honoring those who endured hardships during that period.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 12th July), Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25, the day when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency in 1975, will now be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day). This declaration aims to honor the significant sacrifices of those who endured the severe hardships during the Emergency period.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Amit Shah emphasized the importance of remembering the struggles faced during the Emergency.
“On June 25, 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in a stark demonstration of authoritarianism, dealt a severe blow to our democracy by declaring a state of Emergency nationwide. Thousands of individuals were unjustly incarcerated, and the media’s voice was forcefully silenced. The Government of India has chosen to commemorate June 25th annually as ‘Constitution Murder Day’.”
-Shah tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Amit Shah’s declaration by re-tweeting his post. Modi highlighted the significant impact of the Emergency on India’s democratic framework.
“Designating June 25th as ‘Constitution Murder Day’ serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disregarding the Constitution of India.”
– PM Modi said.
The Emergency, which lasted for nearly two years from June 1975 to March 1977, is remembered as a dark period in Indian history. It was marked by a severe crackdown on political opponents and a substantial suppression of press freedom. The declaration of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is seen as part of the BJP-led NDA’s strategy to counter the Congress party’s criticisms and narrative that the BJP is undermining the Indian Constitution.
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The BJP’s move comes as an assertive reminder of the atrocities committed during the Emergency, positioning the Congress party’s actions during that time as a significant violation of democratic principles. The government’s decision to observe this day annually is intended to keep the memory of those dark days alive and ensure that such an infringement on democracy is never repeated.
The Emergency period witnessed widespread arrests of political leaders and activists without trial, censorship of the press, and severe restrictions on civil liberties. Indira Gandhi justified the imposition of the Emergency citing threats to national security and a need to restore order, but it has been widely criticized as an attempt to maintain her hold on power amidst growing opposition.
By officially marking June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’, the government aims to educate the younger generation about this critical period in Indian history and remind citizens of the value of democratic freedoms and the rule of law. The initiative also reflects the ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress, with both parties striving to shape public perception of each other’s commitment to democratic principles.
Congress Counters BJP with ‘Modi Mukti Diwas’ Remark
In a sharp rebuke, the Congress declared June 4 as “Modi Mukti Diwas” following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election results. Although the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a reduced mandate, it managed to form the government for a third consecutive term with the support of its allies.Reacting to statements made by BJP leader Amit Shah, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running an “undeclared Emergency” in India.
Ramesh took to Twitter to express his views, stating-
“Another instance of blatant hypocrisy from the non-biological Prime Minister, who enforced an undeclared Emergency for a decade before facing a resounding personal, political, and moral defeat on June 4, 2024—now remembered as Modi Liberation Day.”
Ramesh continued his criticism by calling out Modi’s approach to governance and democracy. He stated-
“This non-biological PM has systematically attacked the Constitution of India, its principles, values, and institutions. Their ideological group rejected the Constitution in November 1949 because it did not draw inspiration from Manusmriti. For this non-biological PM, democracy seems to only equate to demo-kursi.”
referring to the BJP’s alleged undermining of democratic institutions and principles.
The Congress leader’s remarks highlight the party’s dissatisfaction with Modi’s administration, accusing it of undermining democratic values and constitutional principles.
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The term “non-biological PM” used by Ramesh suggests that Modi’s rise to power and his style of leadership deviate significantly from the norms and traditions of Indian politics.The phrase “demo-kursi,” a play on words combining “democracy” and “kursi” (chair or seat), suggests that Modi’s understanding of democracy is limited to retaining power. This criticism aligns with the Congress’s broader narrative that the BJP, under Modi’s leadership, prioritizes power over democratic values.
Ramesh’s statement that the BJP’s “ideological parivar had rejected the Constitution of India in November 1949” refers to the historical opposition by some factions within the BJP’s ideological predecessors to the Indian Constitution. They believed it did not draw inspiration from traditional Hindu texts like the Manusmriti, which they considered more aligned with Indian culture and values.
The Congress’s use of the term “Modi Mukti Diwas” signifies a call for liberation from what they perceive as Modi’s authoritarian rule. By framing June 4 as a day of symbolic victory against Modi’s governance, the Congress aims to rally its supporters and underscore its commitment to democratic principles.
