"25 June 1975 was a Black Day, People Fought Against Dictatorial Mindset of Congress": BJP

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday said that the commemoration of the ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' on June 25 every year will remind people of the sacrifices and martyrdom of those who fought against the “dictatorial mindset” of the Congress and had to endure torture in efforts to protect the Constitution.

The BJP’s reaction came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the government’s decision to observe June 25, the day on which the Emergency was declared in 1975, as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the "massive contributions" of those who endured "inhuman pains" of the period.

In a post on X, BJP president JP Nadda said, "June 25, 1975 was the black day when the “dictatorial mindset” of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency on the country by "murdering" the democracy enshrined in the Constitution." 

“This day will remind us of the sacrifices and martyrdom of all our great men who fought against this dictatorial mindset of the Congress, endured torture and died for the protection of the Constitution and restoration of democracy,” he added.

49 years ago on June 25, Indira Gandhi's government unleashed a wave of repression, imprisoning lakhs of people without justification and muzzling the media. The Emergency stripped citizens of their fundamental rights and undermined the country's democratic fabric.

According to the fresh MHA notification, 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' serves as a solemn reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for India's democracy during the 1975 Emergency. The day will commemorate their bravery and resilience in the face of oppression, ensuring that future generations remember the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting the Constitution.