On June 25, the Indian government will observe what it now calls 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas,' translating to 'Constitution Killing Day,' marking a significant shift in how the Emergency period of 1975 is remembered. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this decision, emphasising a renewed focus on the controversial period in Indian history when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency.
The announcement, made via social media, was accompanied by a formal gazette notification. Shah criticised the Emergency as a time when democratic principles were severely compromised, noting that many people were unjustly imprisoned and media freedom was suppressed.
By commemorating June 25 annually, the government aims to honour those who suffered during the Emergency and highlight the damage done to India's democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also endorsed the new commemoration day, framing it as a reminder of the grave consequences when constitutional rights are overridden.
Modi’s remarks underscored the day’s significance as both a tribute to victims of the Emergency and a warning against any similar overreach. The Prime Minister used the occasion to reaffirm his party's stance against what they portray as the Congress party's historical disregard for constitutional values.
The BJP's strategy of focusing on the Emergency has been a prominent feature of their political rhetoric. The party accuses the Congress of historical constitutional violations and argues that the mindset that led to the Emergency still influences current political dynamics.
By observing 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas,' the BJP seeks to reinforce its narrative of safeguarding democratic principles and criticise the Congress for its past actions.
The special session of Parliament, which began on June 24, also touched on this theme. During the session, there was a symbolic gesture from Congress members, including Rahul Gandhi, who carried a copy of the Constitution.
Shashi Tharoor, another Congress leader, expressed his support by proclaiming 'Jai Samvidhan' after being sworn in. This contrasted with the BJP's more confrontational approach, which included President Droupadi Murmu’s speech highlighting the Emergency as a significant infringement on democratic values.
'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' represents a concerted effort by the current government to not only remember the trauma inflicted by the Emergency but also to use it as a political tool to critique the Congress and advocate for the preservation of constitutional integrity.
This new observance aims to serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of upholding democratic norms and ensuring that history's lessons are not forgotten.
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