Arabian Times News Network
On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in India on June 25, 1975, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a powerful seminar titled “The Black Chapter of Indian Democracy”, held at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow. Observed as “Constitution Killing Day”, the event was a reminder of how the very democratic fabric of the nation was once choked by the Congress regime.
In his address, the Chief Minister recalled the foundation of India’s democratic values. He stated that India attained independence on August 15, 1947, adopted the Constitution on January 26, 1950, and chose a multi-party parliamentary system that empowered every adult citizen regardless of caste, creed, or religion—with equal voting rights. He credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for drafting the world’s largest and most inclusive Constitution, despite facing immense discrimination.
However, CM Yogi lamented that all democratic ideals were shattered on June 25, 1975, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared an Emergency. “Congress strangled the Constitution in one night to preserve its power,” he said. According to him, the move reflected a betrayal of the people’s mandate and was a direct attack on the spirit of “We, the People of India”.
The Chief Minister accused Congress of repeatedly undermining democracy and the Constitution for dynastic and political gains. From suppressing press freedom through censorship to amending the Preamble overnight by adding words like “secular” and “socialist”, he said Congress had tampered with India’s constitutional soul. He criticized the imposition of Article 370 in Kashmir and referenced Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s sacrifice while opposing special status for Kashmir, asserting that the Constitution should apply equally across the country.
CM Yogi also paid tribute to democracy warriors, journalists, students, and common citizens who stood up against the Emergency. Over 100,000 people were imprisoned, he said, for resisting Congress’s authoritarian actions. He called on today’s youth to draw inspiration from these sacrifices and understand the true cost of democratic freedom.
He warned against those who, after once opposing Congress, are now aligning with it for selfish political motives. “Such double-faced people are dangerous for democracy,” he said, urging democracy warriors to expose those who had once throttled the Constitution and are now trying to present a clean image.
Announcing a cashless healthcare scheme for democracy warriors and their families, CM Yogi emphasized the importance of recognizing their contribution. He also questioned whether parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party, or RJD who, according to him, have consistently undermined democracy had any moral right to invoke the name of the Constitution or Dr. Ambedkar.
In conclusion, he called the day an occasion to reflect on history and renew the commitment to the democratic ideals envisioned by the freedom fighters. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, and said India’s growing strength as a democracy ensures that no one will dare to repeat the mistakes of the past.
