New Delhi, 25 June (H.S.): On the occasion of ‘Constitution Killing Day’, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior leaders described the Emergency imposed in 1975 as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy and paid tribute to those who fought to protect democratic values during that period.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, in a post on social media platform X on Thursday, said that the Emergency was a period of severe testing for the Constitution and democratic values, during which civil liberties were suspended, freedom of expression was curtailed, and democratic institutions were weakened. He urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that fundamental rights were violated during the Emergency, press freedom was crushed, and thousands of political activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens were imprisoned. He said the day serves as an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s commitment to democracy and constitutional values.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that June 25, 1975, remains a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Congress, driven by the arrogance of power, attempted to suppress the spirit of the Constitution, freedom of the press, and the right to free expression. He said that the observance of ‘Constitution Killing Day’ is intended to preserve the memory of that event and prevent any recurrence of such an assault on democracy in the future.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that June 25, 1975, was the day when the arrogance of power crushed the spirit of the Constitution and imposed the Emergency on the nation. He added that ‘Constitution Killing Day’ serves as a reminder of the collective national responsibility to safeguard constitutional and democratic values.

Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin said that for decades, attempts were made to erase the chapter of the Emergency from the country’s collective memory. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the decision to observe June 25 as ‘Constitution Killing Day’ has helped deliver justice to history.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the Emergency as the greatest assault on Indian democracy and the Constitution. She said that civil rights were violated, restrictions were imposed on press freedom, and democratic institutions suffered deep damage during that period.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Emergency severely undermined the Constitution’s core principles, civil liberties, and democratic values. He paid tribute to all democracy activists who struggled for the restoration of democratic governance.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the Emergency imposed in 1975 was among the most severe attacks on democratic values. He said that ‘Constitution Killing Day’ provides an opportunity to remember the struggle, courage, and sacrifices of democracy activists, journalists, and social workers who stood against authoritarianism.

Notably, the Central Government has decided to observe June 25 every year as ‘Constitution Killing Day’ to commemorate the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975. According to the government, the day is dedicated to remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who raised their voices to defend democracy and the Constitution during the Emergency period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar