BJP Declares 'Constitution Murder Day' to Commemorate 1975 Emergency

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and BJP leaders endorse the government's decision to mark June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day' to remind future generations of the 1975 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi's government. The move aims to highlight the period of political turmoil and civil liberties suppression.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday defended the BJP-led central government's decision to observe June 25 as "Constitution Murder Day" in remembrance of the emergency declared by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975. He emphasized the need for future generations to understand that there was a period when Congress and its leader abolished the constitution.

"On June 25, 1975, when an emergency was imposed on the country, democracy was effectively murdered; without trial, lakhs of people were jailed, and the press faced censorship. The future generation should know that there was a time when Congress and its leader, Indira Gandhi, abolished the Constitution. So, June 25 will be observed as Samvidhan Hatya Divas. What is wrong with this? In these 10 years, has anyone been jailed without a trial?" Meghwal told ANI. The Government of India on Friday announced that June 25 will be remembered annually as "Constitution Murder Day."

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Gaurav Bhatia praised the government's decision, criticizing Congress leaders for never apologizing for imposing the Emergency. "This is a very important decision taken by the government. The reason is very simple: in the annals of history, the darkest day has been the imposition of Emergency by the late Indira Gandhi. The current generation knows this and we have learned our lessons. The sad part is that Congress leaders, like Rahul Gandhi, who display the Constitution of India, have never apologized for imposing an emergency," Bhatia said. He added that it is crucial for current and future generations to be aware of the Emergency's imposition.

Earlier on June 26, the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution condemning the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Speaker Om Birla read out the resolution, stating that June 25, 1975, will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India. Birla praised the determination of those who opposed the Emergency and fought to protect India's democracy.

The 1975 Emergency stands as a stark chapter in India's history marked by political turmoil and the suppression of civil liberties. The period saw the suspension of fundamental rights and strict censorship to quell political dissent and maintain order. Thousands of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists were arrested without due process, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. The Emergency was lifted in 1977 following public outcry and the electoral defeat of the ruling party, underscoring the resilience of democratic institutions and the importance of upholding constitutional values. The legacy of the Emergency serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic freedoms and the need to protect them against authoritarian tendencies.