On June 25, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, describing the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 as “one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.” He referred to the day as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day), stating that no Indian will ever forget how the Constitution was undermined, rights suspended, and democracy suffocated under authoritarian rule.

In a powerful post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi reflected on how fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom extinguished, and leaders across the political spectrum jailed. These actions, he said, symbolised the total subversion of democracy by the then-Congress government led by Indira Gandhi.

"Democracy Was Arrested by the Congress Government"

Taking direct aim at the Congress, the Prime Minister wrote:

“It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest.”

He highlighted that political leaders, students, social activists, and even ordinary citizens were targeted and imprisoned, reflecting a government obsessed with silencing dissent.

The Infamous 42nd Amendment

In his statement, PM Modi singled out the 42nd Constitutional Amendment as one of the most blatant violations of democratic principles. This amendment, often called the “Mini-Constitution,” was introduced in 1976 to concentrate power in the executive, undermining both the judiciary and the federal structure of the country.

“The voice of Parliament was muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts,” PM Modi said, underlining the systematic erosion of democratic institutions.

He added that the poor, marginalised, and downtrodden suffered the most during the Emergency, their dignity insulted and rights trampled upon in an effort to retain power.

A Salute to Those Who Fought

PM Modi paid tribute to all those who opposed the Emergency, regardless of their political affiliations. He described their struggle as one that went beyond ideology, unified by a common purpose:

“To protect India’s democratic fabric and preserve the ideals for which our freedom fighters devoted their lives.”

He acknowledged the role of these courageous citizens in eventually forcing the Indira Gandhi-led government to call for elections, which resulted in a historic defeat for the Congress and the restoration of democracy in 1977.

Commitment to Constitution and Democracy

Concluding his post, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the ideals of the Constitution, promising to continue strengthening democratic principles and realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence.

“May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden,” PM Modi said.

EAM Jaishankar Echoes Concerns

In a separate post, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also described the Emergency as a “painful chapter of independent India’s history.”

He stressed how institutions were undermined, citizens' rights suspended, and accountability abandoned, highlighting the importance of safeguarding constitutional values to ensure resilience in Indian democracy.

“It remains a powerful reminder of our collective duty,” Jaishankar wrote.

Legal Record Compilation Ordered

In a significant move to preserve this era for posterity, PM Modi directed the compilation of all legal records related to the Emergency. During a meeting with the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society, Modi recommended:

• The creation of a national database of all museums in the country

• A comprehensive archive of all legal battles and constitutional violations during the Emergency

This initiative aims to educate future generations about the Emergency's implications and underscore the importance of civil liberties and judicial independence.

Emergency: A Timeline Recap

On June 25, 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a nationwide Emergency citing internal threats. This allowed her to rule by decree, suspend elections, and curtail press freedom, plunging the country into 21 months of authoritarian rule.

Key highlights from the Emergency era:

• Censorship of media and banning of publications

• Arrest of opposition leaders including Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani

• Forced sterilisation drives as part of population control

• Violation of judicial autonomy and targeting of judges

• Use of police powers to instil fear and obedience

The period ended on March 21, 1977, when Gandhi lifted the Emergency and called for general elections, which resulted in a resounding defeat for Congress and ushered in India’s first non-Congress government.

Congress Reacts with Silence

As of the morning of June 25, 2025, the Congress party has not issued a formal response to PM Modi’s remarks. In past years, Congress leaders have either justified the Emergency as a necessity or described it as a “regrettable but complex” decision. However, public sentiment has increasingly viewed it as an avoidable blot on Indian democracy.

Conclusion: A Day of Reflection

As India marks 50 years since the Emergency, the political discourse reflects a renewed focus on constitutional fidelity, civil rights, and democratic accountability. PM Modi’s remarks underscore a broader national narrative—that the past must not be forgotten, and its lessons must shape the future.

By commemorating ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, the Modi government not only targets political opponents but also seeks to galvanise support for constitutional values among India’s youth and civil society.

In today’s climate of global democratic backsliding, the Emergency remains a reminder of the fragility of freedom—and the responsibility shared by every Indian to defend it.

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