Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas : The Indian political landscape is set to witness a significant new observance. On Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 will now be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’, or ‘Constitution Killing Day’. This declaration is aimed at commemorating the suffering endured during the Emergency imposed in 1975 and serves as a reminder of the pivotal role of the Constitution in India’s democracy.
Emergency Flashpoint: Amit Shah Declares June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ – A Day of Controversy and Remembrance!
The Announcement
Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to make this announcement. He posted a gazette notification and emphasized the significance of the day. Shah 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.”
The Government of India decided to observe this day annually to honor those who endured the hardships of the Emergency. “This day will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency,” Shah added.
Prime Minister’s Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also echoed these sentiments. He posted on X, stating that observing June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ will serve as a stark reminder of what happens when the Constitution is trampled upon. “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,” Modi wrote.
Opposition’s Reaction
The Congress party has responded strongly, accusing the BJP of engaging in “yet another headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy.” Throughout Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister, the Congress and other opposition parties have consistently accused the BJP and the Central government of violating the Constitution and weakening constitutional institutions, including the election commission and the judiciary.
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Political Context
The timing of this announcement is crucial, given the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress has frequently highlighted the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine constitutional values. This narrative gained traction, especially after statements from BJP leaders, such as Karnataka BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde and Meerut candidate Arun Govil, suggested that the NDA aimed to amend the Constitution.
Counterattack by BJP
In response, the BJP has repeatedly brought up the Emergency to assert that it was the Congress, not the BJP, that has a history of violating the Constitution. On June 25, Prime Minister Modi led the charge, posting on X, “Today is a day to pay homage to all those great men and women who resisted the Emergency. The #DarkDaysOfEmergency remind us of how the Congress Party subverted basic freedoms and trampled over the Constitution of India which every Indian respects greatly.”
Modi continued, “Those who imposed the Emergency have no right to profess their love for our Constitution. These are the same people who have imposed Article 356 on innumerable occasions, got a Bill to destroy press freedom, destroyed federalism, and violated every aspect of the Constitution.” He added that the mindset which led to the imposition of the Emergency is “very much alive among the same Party which imposed it.”
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Conclusion
The declaration of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is a significant political move that underscores the BJP’s strategy to remind the public of the Congress’s past actions, particularly the Emergency period. As the 2024 elections approach, this observance is likely to become a focal point in the political discourse, highlighting the ongoing battle over the legacy and protection of India’s Constitution.
FAQs about ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
1. What is ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ translates to ‘Constitution Killing Day’ and is observed annually on June 25 to commemorate the hardships endured during the 1975 Emergency in India.
2. Why was June 25 chosen for ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- June 25 marks the day in 1975 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, curbing civil liberties and democracy.
3. Who announced ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- The announcement was made by Home Minister Amit Shah.
4. What is the significance of observing ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- The day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the Constitution and commemorates those who suffered during the Emergency.
5. What were the main impacts of the 1975 Emergency?
- The Emergency led to the suspension of civil liberties, the arrest of political opponents, and severe censorship of the press.
6. How has the Congress party reacted to this announcement?
- The Congress has criticized the move, calling it a “headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy” by the BJP.
7. What did PM Narendra Modi say about ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- PM Modi emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the Emergency’s dark days and pays homage to those who resisted it.
8. How does the BJP justify the observance of this day?
- The BJP claims it highlights the Congress’s historical violations of the Constitution and underscores the importance of democratic values.
9. What events are planned for ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- Specific events have not been detailed, but it is expected to involve commemorations and discussions on constitutional values.
10. Has ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ been observed before?
- No, this is a new observance starting from the year of the announcement.
11. What was the duration of the 1975 Emergency?
- The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
12. What were some of the laws and actions taken during the Emergency?
- The government enacted laws to detain people without trial, censored the media, and dissolved many civil liberties.
13. How did the Emergency end?
- The Emergency ended when Indira Gandhi called for elections in 1977, leading to a massive defeat for her party.
14. What was the role of the judiciary during the Emergency?
- The judiciary’s role was significantly restricted, with many judges complicit or silent on the abuses occurring.
15. Who were some prominent figures arrested during the Emergency?
- Political leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani were among those arrested.
16. What were the public’s reactions during the Emergency?
- There was widespread fear, but also significant underground resistance and civil disobedience against the government’s actions.
17. How does ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ impact current political discourse?
- It is used by the BJP to remind citizens of the Congress’s past and to draw contrasts with their own governance.
18. What does the term ‘Constitution Killing Day’ signify?
- It signifies the undermining and suspension of constitutional rights and democratic norms during the Emergency.
19. What is the opposition’s stance on the BJP’s observance of this day?
- The opposition views it as a politically motivated move to distract from current issues and to vilify the Congress.
20. How can citizens participate in ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’?
- Citizens can participate by attending events, engaging in discussions on constitutional values, and remembering those who fought for democracy during the Emergency.
