June 25 Emergency to be Marked as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’

Introduction

June 25, the day when the Emergency was imposed in 1975, will now be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day). This announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision aims to commemorate the massive contributions of those who endured the inhuman pains during the Emergency.

Background of the Emergency

The Emergency was imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It lasted for nearly two years, from June 1975 to March 1977. This period saw a brutal crackdown on opposition leaders and a significant suppression of the press. Thousands of people were imprisoned without trial, and civil liberties were severely restricted.

Amit Shah’s Announcement

Amit Shah announced the observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ in a post on social media platform X. He emphasized that this day would serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Emergency. According to Shah, the Emergency was a dark phase in Indian history where democracy was strangled, and the voices of dissent were silenced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Amit Shah’s announcement. He re-tweeted Shah’s post, stating that the Congress unleashed a dark phase in Indian history on June 25, 1975. PM Modi mentioned that observing this day would remind the nation of the consequences when the Constitution is trampled upon.

BJP’s Offensive Against Congress

The BJP-led NDA has mounted an offensive against the Congress, especially on the anniversary of the Emergency’s imposition. The move to observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is seen as a counter to the opposition’s narrative. The BJP aims to highlight the historical wrongs committed by the Congress during the Emergency.

Congress’s Response

In response to the announcement, the Congress party criticized the move. They stated that June 4 would go down in history as ‘Modi Mukti Diwas’. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the current government of imposing an “undeclared Emergency” in India. He claimed that the BJP’s actions over the past ten years have systematically assaulted the Constitution and its principles.

Historical Context

The Emergency period is often remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy. The suspension of civil liberties, censorship of the press, and the mass arrests of political opponents are well-documented. This period is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions.

Political Implications

The decision to observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ has significant political implications. It highlights the BJP’s strategy to remind the public of the Congress’s past actions. This move is likely to influence public opinion and could play a crucial role in future electoral politics.

Conclusion

The observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ on June 25 will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values. It will commemorate the sacrifices of those who endured the hardships of the Emergency. The move also underscores the ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress over the narrative of India’s democratic history.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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