PM Modi Pays Tribute To Democratic Defenders On 50 Years Of Emergency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to the countless citizens who stood against the Emergency imposed in 1975, calling it one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.

As the country marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

Speaking via social media platform X, PM Modi remarked, “Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.”

Reflecting on the events of 1975, PM Modi stated that the Congress government of the time ‘placed democracy under arrest’, suspending fundamental rights, silencing the press, and jailing thousands of political leaders, activists, students, and citizens.

“On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside,” he wrote, adding that the Emergency era crushed democratic dissent and curbed civil liberties.

Honouring the resistors

The Prime Minister saluted the resilience of those who resisted authoritarian rule.

“We salute every person who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency,” he said.

These individuals, drawn from all parts of the country and spanning a range of ideologies, united with the sole aim of protecting India’s democratic fabric.

PM Modi credited this united struggle with forcing the then government to revoke the Emergency and call for general elections—a move that ultimately resulted in the Congress party’s defeat.

Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to constitutional principles, PM Modi declared, “We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

He concluded his statement with a forward-looking message, “May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is observing the occasion as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’—Constitution Murder Day.

The party has launched a national campaign, organising outreach events at both district and booth levels.

These programmes aim to raise awareness among the youth about the excesses committed during the Emergency and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.

As the nation reflects on this sombre milestone, the Prime Minister’s words serve as both a tribute to past struggles and a call to uphold democratic values in the future.

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