June 25, 1975: The Darkest Chapter in the History of Democracy; Union Minister Nityanand Rai Speaks on 'Constitution Murder Day'
Bhagalpur/Patna: On the anniversary of the Emergency imposed in the country on June 25, 1975, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a grand event to observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day). On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, labeled that era of the Emergency as the "darkest chapter" of Indian democracy and launched a scathing attack on the then-Congress government. He stated that this day serves as a reminder to future generations of how a power-hungry government tore the Constitution to shreds just to save its own seat of power.
An Era of Strangling Democracy
Addressing the event, Nityanand Rai said that the night of June 25, 1975, was a dark night for Indian democracy when the fundamental rights of the country's citizens were completely snatched away. He said, "Overnight, without any constitutional basis, the entire country was turned into a prison. A lock was placed on the freedom of expression, and anyone who spoke against the government's flawed policies was thrown into jail."
He reminded the audience that during the Emergency, not only were opposition leaders arrested, but ordinary citizens, journalists, and intellectuals were also subjected to inhumane torture. Rai emphasized that this event is a page in Indian history that can never be forgotten, and observing it as 'Constitution Murder Day' is a necessary resolve to ensure such dictatorship never rises again.
BJP's Resolve: Remembering Dictatorship
The main objective of this event organized by the BJP is to acquaint the new generation with the struggles undertaken for the restoration of democracy. Addressing the workers and leaders present, the Union Minister stated that the BJP believes a society that forgets its history cannot secure its future.
The Minister said that the then-Congress government did not just crush the Constitution; it also launched a direct assault on the judiciary and the freedom of the press. He added that as we observe 'Constitution Murder Day' today, we bow to those thousands of 'Democracy Warriors' who sacrificed everything to fight against dictatorship.
Respect for Democracy Warriors
The program also honored several 'Democracy Warriors' who endured the hardships of imprisonment during the Emergency. Nityanand Rai said that it is thanks to such fearless warriors that the roots of democracy are so strong in India today. Taking a dig at opposition parties, he said that those who talk about protecting the Constitution today should not forget that their ancestors committed the greatest sin of murdering the Constitution.
The Need to Remain Vigilant for the Future
Concluding his address, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs called upon the youth to understand the importance of democracy. He stated that the BJP has always been a protector of democratic values and will continue to be so. The decision to observe 'Constitution Murder Day' is a means to alert future generations that constant vigilance is necessary to protect democracy.
A large number of local BJP leaders, public representatives, and intellectuals were present at the event, where they collectively took a pledge to keep democracy intact while remembering the horrific era of the Emergency.
