Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the Emergency declared in India in 1975 as a “dark chapter in the history of independent Bharat.” He emphasised that the suppression of democratic rights and constitutional values during this period must never be forgotten. He made these remarks at the “Samvidhan Hatya Divas” event, held at the Rail Auditorium in Bhubaneswar to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
The event was organised by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, as part of a nationwide observance initiated by the Government of India. The year-long remembrance campaign, which began on June 25, 2025, will continue until June 25, 2026. The initiative aims to educate the younger generation about the atrocities committed during the Emergency and to foster awareness against autocratic tendencies in governance.
Chief Minister Majhi stated that the Emergency witnessed widespread suppression of civil liberties. “Thousands of political leaders, activists, and journalists were jailed without trial under draconian laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA),” he said. “Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and many other stalwarts of Bharatiya politics were imprisoned. The press was censored, and those who refused to comply were arrested.”
Highlighting Odisha’s contribution to the fight for democracy, the Chief Minister recalled that prominent leaders such as Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Patnaik, and Biswabhusan Harichandan were also arrested during the Emergency. “The democracy fighters present here today are witnesses to the torture and hardship endured in jails. Their sacrifices form the bedrock of our constitutional values,” he remarked.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured 108 democracy fighters from Odisha with mementoes and certificates of appreciation. “After taking office, our government decided to officially recognise and honour the contributions of democracy fighters. We have begun disbursing a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and providing medical benefits to them. So far, pensions for 56 beneficiaries have been approved, and the process for others is underway,” he added. He further stated that democracy fighters, like freedom fighters, deserve lasting respect and recognition for their sacrifices.
Odisha’s Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, spoke at the event, stressing the importance of educating today’s generation about the mistakes of the past. “People must learn from history to avoid repeating it. Observing this day is essential to instilling those lessons,” he said.
As part of the observance, a special exhibition showcasing artwork themed on “Constitution Murder Day” was inaugurated. A symbolic Rath Yatra (chariot procession) honouring democracy fighters was also flagged off by the dignitaries.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan described the Emergency era as a “dark and authoritarian time” in Bharatiya history. “However, the fight that began during that period should now inspire generations to stand firm in defence of democracy and constitutional integrity,” he said in his address.
Among the notable guests present at the event were Ekamra MLA Shri Babu Singh, democracy fighters Shri Bimbadhar Kuanr, Krushnachandra Jagdev, and Kahnu Charan Behera. Senior BJP leader Amar Prasad Satapathy delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all the individuals and departments involved in organizing the event.
