New Delhi – In a move that has ignited political controversy, the Union government announced on Friday that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitutional Murder Day) in remembrance of the Emergency declared in 1975. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, accusing the BJP of trying to mislead the public.
Historical Context and Government’s Stand
The Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was a period marked by severe restrictions on civil liberties, press censorship, and mass arrests. The government, in its gazette notification, stated that the declaration of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ aims to pay tribute to those who suffered during this period and to reaffirm India’s commitment to safeguarding democracy.
The notification from the Union home ministry highlighted the “gross abuse of power” during the Emergency and emphasized the importance of remembering this dark chapter in Indian history to prevent future occurrences.
Political Reactions and Controversy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut ridiculed the announcement, asserting that the BJP has no substantial work left and is resorting to such measures to distract the public. Raut pointed out that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and the RSS had supported the Emergency, citing it as a necessary measure to curb anarchy and bomb-making activities at the time.
“Why was an Emergency imposed in this country? Some people wanted to spread anarchy. An open announcement was made from Ramlila Maidan, asking our jawans and army not to follow the government’s orders,” Raut told ANI.
He added, “If Atal Bihari Vajpayee had been the prime minister, he would have also imposed it. It was a matter of national security.”
In response, BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed Raut’s comments as meaningless, emphasizing the significance of June 25 for current and future generations. He argued that the day should be remembered to educate people about the suspension of constitutional rights during the Emergency.
Congress’ Stand
The Congress has termed the government’s decision as another “headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party accused the BJP of using historical events to serve its political agenda while ignoring pressing current issues.
Conclusion
The announcement of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ has sparked a political slugfest, reflecting deep-seated tensions between India’s major political parties over historical interpretations and their relevance to contemporary politics. As the date approaches, the discourse is expected to intensify, with each side leveraging the past to shape the political narrative.
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