50 years of Emergency; year-long programme planned under 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'

NEW DELHI: The Emergency, which marked a black chapter of democracy and paved the way for the collapse of the Congress in the country, will complete 50 years on June 25. It is also noteworthy that the anniversary is being observed in the national political situation where the BJP, which emerged from the Jana Sangh, which faced difficulties during the Emergency, is in power at the Centre and the Congress is in opposition.

The anniversary of the Emergency is once again being discussed with stories of the destruction of democracy, including the restriction of civil rights, strict censorship of the media, and mass imprisonment of opposition leaders. The landslide victory of the Janata Party in the 1977 general elections held after the Emergency was lifted and the defeat of Indira Gandhi are milestones in Indian politics. Political history shows that it was a foundation for non-Congress parties to take root in the country.

The Emergency, which remains a lingering stain, is still a liability for Congress. BJP has been using the Emergency as a weapon against Congress ever since they came to power at the Centre in 2014 under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Through this, the BJP is trying to tarnish the image of the Nehru era and the undisputed leader of the Congress, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Congress's efforts to defend this by announcing constitutional protection programs and so on are not effective.

'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas"

The Central Government and the BJP are preparing a year-long grand programme called 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas" from June 25. The Central Government had decided in 2024 to observe 'Constitution Assassination Day' every year on June 25.

The Union Ministry of Culture has instructed the states to organize grand programmes including Deepashikha Yatras (torch relay), short film screenings and mass outreach. The Deepashikha Yatra, which represents the 'spirit of democracy', will be flagged off in Delhi on the 25th. The Yatra will tour various parts of the country for a year and will conclude on March 21, 2026, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The short film titled 'Constitution Assassination Day' will be made available on the website of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the 22nd.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that constitutional values ​​and democracy are being trampled on every day in the country and she will stay away from the ceremonies.