As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar termed it a “painful chapter” in India’s history and a “powerful reminder” of the nation’s collective duty to safeguard democratic values.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote: “On #SamvidhaanHatyaDiwas, we recall a painful chapter of independent India’s history, when institutions were undermined, rights were suspended and accountability was set aside. It also remains a powerful reminder of our collective duty to safeguard constitutional values and uphold the resilience of Indian democracy.”
The Emergency, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, suspended fundamental rights, curtailed press freedom, and led to the imprisonment of thousands of political opponents, civil society members, students, and citizens. It remained in effect until March 21, 1977.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reflected on the Emergency, calling it one of the “darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.” In a series of posts, he criticised the Congress for violating constitutional values and suppressing dissent.
“No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans,” Modi wrote.
He further noted that the poor and marginalised were particularly targeted, and “democracy was placed under arrest” by the Congress government of the time.
The Emergency was proclaimed under Article 352 by then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, citing internal disturbances—a justification widely criticised for being politically motivated, especially after the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice.
As India reflects on the 50th anniversary, the BJP continues to observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’ to highlight the importance of constitutional integrity and to remind citizens of the perils of authoritarianism.
