Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a notable announcement today, declaring that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’ This day will be dedicated to honoring the victims of the 1975 Emergency, a period often regarded as a dark chapter in Indian democracy when democratic processes were suspended.
Amit Shah’s Announcement
Amit Shah made the announcement via the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He stated, “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.” Shah emphasized that ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who suffered during the Emergency and the importance of protecting democratic values.
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 12, 2024
The… pic.twitter.com/9sEfPGjG2S
Reactions from Political Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for the announcement. He remarked, “To observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ will serve as a reminder of what happens when the Constitution of India is trampled. It is also a day to pay homage to each and every person who suffered due to the excesses of the Emergency, a Congress unleashed dark phase of Indian history.”
On the other hand, the Congress party criticized the move. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described it as “another headline-grabbing exercise” and accused the current government of hypocrisy. He said, “This is a non-biological PM who has subjected the Constitution of India and its principles, values, and institutions to systematic assault.”
"Yet another headline grabbing exercise in hypocrisy by the non-biological PM who had imposed an undeclared Emergency for ten long years before the people of India handed him a decisive personal, political, and moral defeat on June 4, 2024 – which will go down in history as… pic.twitter.com/KpBiSuGOyi
— ANI (@ANI) July 12, 2024
Public Reaction
The public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some people support the move, believing it is crucial to remember and learn from past mistakes. Others feel that the government is using historical events to divert attention from current issues.
Historical Context
The Emergency was declared following a judgment by the Allahabad High Court, which found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices. This ruling led to widespread protests and calls for her resignation. In response, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, citing internal disturbances.
During the Emergency, many opposition leaders were arrested, and political activities were banned. The press faced severe censorship, and civil liberties were restricted. The government also implemented controversial policies, including forced sterilizations and slum demolitions, which led to significant public outrage.
Impact on Indian Democracy
The Emergency had a lasting impact on Indian democracy and politics. It highlighted the vulnerabilities within the democratic system and the potential for abuse of power. Public trust in the government and the ruling party was eroded. The end of the Emergency in 1977 saw the Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, winning the general elections, marking the first time a non-Congress party came to power at the center. The new government took steps to restore democratic norms and prevent such an event from recurring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amit Shah’s announcement of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ serves as a reminder of a crucial period in Indian history. It emphasizes the importance of protecting democratic values and learning from past mistakes. What’s important though is, it should not become a day for political bashing of each other by the political parties of our country.
