Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 will now be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day). This day marks the anniversary of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.
In a post on social media, Shah stated that this day will honor those who suffered during the 1975 Emergency. He described the Emergency as a time when democracy was severely undermined, with many people unjustly imprisoned and media voices silenced. Shah emphasized that the government has decided to remember this day each year to acknowledge the hardships faced during that period.
June 25 Declared ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
The central government has designated June 25 as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” to honor those who endured severe hardships during the Emergency imposed on this day in 1975.
On June 25, 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, severely restricting democratic freedoms. Many people were jailed without cause, and the media was heavily censored.
To remember this dark period, the government will observe June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, dedicating it to those who suffered during the Emergency, announced Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a social media post on Friday.
“Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” translates to “the day the Constitution was murdered.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported this announcement, emphasizing that June 25 will be a tribute to those who suffered during the Emergency, a dark chapter in India’s history caused by the Congress party. He added that observing this day will remind everyone of the consequences of undermining the Indian Constitution.
On June 25, 1975, the then PM Indira Gandhi, in a brazen display of a dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of our democracy by imposing the Emergency on the nation. Lakhs of people were thrown behind bars for no fault of their own, and the voice of the media was silenced.
The… pic.twitter.com/9sEfPGjG2S
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 12, 2024The decision made by the government led by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji is intended to honor the spirit of millions who struggled to revive democracy despite facing inexplicable persecution at the hands of an oppressive government.
The observance of 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' will…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 12, 2024Also Read: Mastermind Rakesh Ranjan Arrested in NEET-UG Paper Leak Scam by CBI
NDA Secures Third Term Amidst Constitution Debate
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government made an announcement amidst ongoing debates about the Constitution. During the recent Lok Sabha election campaign, the Congress party claimed that PM Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) disrespected the Constitution and would change it if they won a third term with a full majority. The BJP denied these accusations.
In the election, the BJP secured 240 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, falling 32 seats short of a majority. However, the NDA, including the BJP, achieved a solid majority with 293 seats, ensuring a historic third term for PM Modi. The Congress increased its seats to 99 from 52 in 2019.
Emboldened, the Congress emphasized its commitment to the Constitution. In the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha in June, party members and some allies took their oaths holding the Constitution.
PM Modi countered, reminding everyone that the Congress, which once imposed the Emergency, had no right to claim love for the Constitution. On the 49th anniversary of the Emergency, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called it the darkest chapter in India’s history, prompting protests from the Congress and its allies.
The 21-month Emergency was declared by Indira Gandhi due to perceived external and internal threats, resulting in the suspension of basic freedoms and the silencing of the media. Many top opposition leaders, including BJP’s AB Vajpayee and LK Advani, Samajwadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Janata Party’s JP Narayan, were detained, along with dissenting Congress members.
Opposition Reaction on Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi, calling his actions a “headline-grabbing exercise.” Ramesh accused Modi of undermining the Constitution and its principles, values, and institutions.
Ramesh described Modi’s latest move as “another headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy” and labeled him a “non-biological PM” who imposed an undeclared emergency for ten years. He noted that Modi faced a significant defeat on June 4, 2024, a day now known as ModiMukti Diwas.
Ramesh claimed Modi’s ideological group had rejected the Constitution in 1949 because it didn’t follow Manusmriti and accused Modi of viewing democracy as merely holding onto power.
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June 25 Declared ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ FAQs
Q.1. What is ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
Ans. ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ translates to “Constitution Murder Day” and is observed on June 25 to honor those who suffered during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975.
Q.2. Why is June 25 significant in Indian history?
Ans. June 25 marks the anniversary of the Emergency declared in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which severely restricted democratic freedoms and led to many unjust imprisonments.
Q.3. Who announced the observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
Ans. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 will be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Divas’ to remember those who faced hardships during the 1975 Emergency.
Q.4. What was the Emergency imposed in 1975?
Ans. The Emergency imposed in 1975 was a period when democratic freedoms were restricted, many people were jailed without cause, and the media was censored. It lasted for 21 months.
Q.5. How has the Congress party responded to ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Divas’?
Ans. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the announcement, calling it a “headline-grabbing exercise” and accusing PM Modi of undermining the Constitution and its principles.
