Modi Declared June 25 as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas”

The Narendra Modi-led government has declared June 25 as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Killing Day)

This decision commemorates the day in 1975 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a 21-month Emergency in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the declaration aims to pay tribute to those who suffered and resisted during this period and to remind the nation to prevent such abuses of power in the future. Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared the notification on social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of remembering the contributions of those who endured the hardships of the Emergency. He stated that observing ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ would keep the flame of individual freedom and democracy alive, preventing dictatorial forces from rising again. Shah criticized Indira Gandhi, describing the Emergency as a “brazen display of a dictatorial mindset” that stifled democracy and imprisoned thousands without cause, silencing the media.

Shah reiterated that the Modi government’s decision is meant to honor those who fought to restore democracy despite facing severe persecution. In a recent Parliament session, Speaker Om Birla condemned the Emergency, observing a two-minute silence for its victims. Birla declared June 25, 1975, as a black chapter in India’s history, blaming the attack on the Constitution by Indira Gandhi and highlighting India’s strong tradition of democratic values. Birla emphasized that India, the mother of democracy, has always upheld and encouraged democratic values and debates. He lamented that the Emergency period saw the crushing of these values and the stifling of free expression. The observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ reminds us of the resilience of those who fought to protect India’s democracy during one of its darkest times.