Kolkata, 18 June (H.S.) :

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the central government over its directive asking states to observe June 25 as ‘Constitution Killing Day’, marking the anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975. Calling the move politically motivated, Banerjee questioned whether democracy still exists in the country and made it clear that West Bengal will not observe the day.

Speaking at the state secretariat, Nabanna, the Chief Minister revealed that the Union Ministry of Culture has sent a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant instructing the state to mark the day as a symbolic protest against the imposition of Emergency.

Rejecting the directive, Banerjee said, “Do you believe in democracy? Is there any democracy left in the country today?” She further questioned the timing of the observance, saying, “Fifty years of the Emergency were completed in 2024, then why is it being commemorated in 2025? Clearly, this is part of a political agenda.”

Taking direct aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said, “Democracy is being murdered every day in this country. If a ‘Constitution Killing Day’ has to be observed, then it should be marked daily. The Constitution is being altered regularly, and religion is being systematically imposed.”

Banerjee also drew parallels between the current political climate and the Emergency era, stating that just as press freedom was stifled back then, today too, media voices are being suppressed. Referring to demonetisation, she remarked that November 8 should be declared as ‘Black Money Day’. She also cited recent incidents such as the Pahalgam terror attack and the Ahmedabad plane crash, questioning the Centre’s handling of governance and national security.

“In West Bengal, we will not observe Constitution Killing Day. This is a politically motivated move, and we will not participate in such theatrics. When the Constitution and democracy are being undermined every single day, what is the point of such symbolic gestures?” she said firmly.

With this strong statement, Mamata Banerjee positioned herself as a staunch defender of democratic values and sent a clear message to the Centre that West Bengal would not be part of what she termed a politically driven narrative.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh