New Delhi: HD Kumaraswamy, a Union Minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader, supported the NDA-led central government's decision to observe June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day). This date marks the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Congress government.
This comes after the central government has decided to celebrate 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' on 25 June. A gazette notification has also been issued regarding this. On 25 June 1975, the then Congress government led by Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency on the country without any reason. Keeping this incident as a lesson for future generations, the central government has declared this day as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'.
Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress, stating that ordinary people were harassed during the Emergency. He told reporters in Delhi, "During the Emergency, common people were harassed while Indira Gandhi was running the government. Based on that, the present government has decided to observe June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'."
The announcement has sparked backlash from opposition parties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the 1975 Emergency a "dark phase of Indian history." PM Modi announced that June 25 will be annually commemorated as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas to honor those who suffered during that time. In a post on X, he wrote, "To observe 25th June as #SamvidhaanHatyaDiwas will serve as a reminder of what happens when the Constitution of India was trampled over. It is also a day to pay homage to each and every person who suffered due to the excesses of the Emergency, as Congress unleashed a dark phase of Indian history."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also highlighted the significance of the day, stating it would remind people of the sacrifices made by those who endured severe hardships during the 1975 Emergency. Shah wrote in a post on X, "On 25 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showing her dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of Indian democracy by imposing an emergency in the country. Lakhs of people were jailed without any reason and the voice of the media was suppressed. The Government of India has decided to celebrate 25 June every year as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge responded sharply, saying, "In the last 10 years, your government has celebrated 'Constitution Murder Day' every day. You have snatched away the self-respect of every poor and deprived section of the country every moment."
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of using the observance to divert attention from its anti-people policies. At a press conference, Ghosh said, "Indira Gandhi lost once and she came back to power as the Prime Minister. So that chapter was just one page of history, and years later, the BJP is trying to divert attention from its anti-people policy, disasters, and the bad condition of the country, they are trying to play this old card."
The Emergency of 1975 remains a stark chapter in India's history, marked by widespread political turmoil and suppression of civil liberties. Declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Emergency saw the suspension of fundamental rights and strict censorship to quell political dissent and maintain order.
Recent Updates:
Emergency Declared - June 25, 1975 - The Day in History
PM Modi to Inaugurate Major Projects Worth Over Rs 29,400 Cr in Mumbai
