In a move that underscores its critical stance towards the Congress party’s historical actions, the Indian government has announced that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ or ‘Constitution Killing Day.’ The announcement, made by Home Minister Amit Shah via a post on social media platform X, was accompanied by a formal gazette notification. Shah’s post commemorated the day in 1975 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, which he described as a direct assault on India’s democracy and constitutional integrity.
The observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is intended to honor those who suffered under the repressive measures of the Emergency, which included widespread imprisonment without trial and stringent censorship of the press. During the Emergency, which lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, thousands of political opponents were detained, and civil liberties were severely restricted. The government’s decision to mark this day is part of an ongoing narrative that contrasts its governance with what it portrays as the constitutional violations of the past.
The announcement of ‘Constitution Killing Day’ has elicited strong reactions from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. Critics argue that the current BJP-led government has itself been undermining constitutional institutions and weakening democratic frameworks. These accusations have been fueled by recent statements from BJP members hinting at potential constitutional amendments, which have led to fears that the BJP may seek to alter foundational democratic principles, including reservations.
The opposition, united under the INDIA alliance banner, has seized upon these controversies, positioning itself as the defender of the Constitution against what it sees as BJP’s overreaches. This stance seems to have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, as suggested by the outcomes of recent elections where the BJP and its allies saw a reduced majority in the Lok Sabha.
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have been vocal in their criticism of the government’s decision to declare ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’ They argue that it is an attempt to divert attention from the current administration’s failures and to rewrite history for political gain. Gandhi emphasized the need to focus on current issues facing the country rather than what he described as selective historical narratives.
The declaration of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is the latest reflection of the deep-seated political rivalry that characterizes India’s contemporary political landscape. Both the government and the opposition continue to leverage historical and current events to shape public perception and gain electoral advantages. The decision to commemorate June 25 in this manner is a reminder of the enduring impact of the Emergency on India’s political discourse and the ongoing debates about democratic principles and constitutional integrity.
As political tensions persist, it is clear that historical events like the Emergency continue to be potent symbols in India’s political battles. The observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ will likely become a significant annual event, with both sides using it to bolster their respective narratives. For the BJP, it serves as a reminder of what they view as Congress’s past transgressions, while the opposition sees it as an opportunity to highlight what they believe are the current government’s failings. The coming years will undoubtedly see further developments as these narratives continue to evolve in the ever-dynamic arena of Indian politics.
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