India to Observe June 25 as ‘Constitution Murder Day’

The Indian government has announced that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Constitution Murder Day’ to remember the 1975 Emergency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Emergency a ‘dark phase of Indian history’ and said the day will honor those who suffered during that time.

Government’s Announcement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the day would remind people of the sacrifices made by those who faced hardships during the Emergency. He criticized the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency, which led to the jailing of many people and suppression of the media.

Opposition’s Reaction

Congress leaders have criticized the announcement. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh called it a ‘headline grabbing exercise in hypocrisy,’ while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the current government of undermining the Constitution daily. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said the BJP is trying to divert attention from its policies.

Historical Context

The Emergency of 1975, declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was a period of political turmoil and suppression of civil liberties in India. Fundamental rights were suspended, and strict censorship was imposed to maintain order and quell dissent.