NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led the nation in observing ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas‘ (Constitution Murder Day) to mark the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, paying homage to those who defended democratic values during what he called “one of the darkest chapters in India’s history.“In a statement, PM Modi said the Emergency was a “direct assault on our Constitution” that witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders and journalists, and an assault on democratic institutions.“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,” PM Modi said.“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,” he added.The Prime Minister said the day reminds us of the dark era when democracy was “brutally crushed” and inspires us to always remain committed to protecting democracy, the Constitution and citizens’ rights. “My respectful salutations to all the luminaries who opposed the Emergency,” he said.Also Read:NCERT introduces section on Emergency in Class IX textbook for first time, calls it a ‘major challenge’
Rajnath Singh: ‘Darkest chapter’
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the Emergency as the “darkest chapter” in India’s democratic history. He said the Emergency saw the suspension of fundamental rights, the crushing of press freedom, and the arrest of thousands of political workers, activists and journalists without reason.Singh said the Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, saw the suspension of fundamental rights, the crushing of press freedom, and the arrest of thousands of political workers, activists and journalists without reason. He paid tribute to those who resisted authoritarian rule and fought to restore democracy.“Today, on ‘Constitution Murder Day,’ I pay tribute to all those democracy warriors who endured torture and dedicated themselves to the restoration of democracy. Their sacrifice continues to inspire us,” Singh said in a statement.
Yogi Adityanath leads tributes
As part of the nationwide observance, the BJP organised programmes across Bihar, Haryana and other states to highlight what it described as the impact of the Emergency on democratic institutions and civil liberties .Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post on X, called June 25, 1975, a “dark chapter” when an attempt was made to crush the constitutional spirit of the country. “The darkness of the Emergency, imposed by the Congress Party in its arrogance of power, deeply hurt freedom of speech and civil liberties. My heartfelt tribute to all those great democratic fighters who endured severe torture during that difficult period and fought to protect democracy,” Adityanath said.The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notification on July 12, 2024, declaring June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the struggles of those who opposed the abuse of power during the Emergency era.The government has been observing the day since 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, with events at Raj Bhavans and other institutions to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to constitutional values.
