The ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ event, organised to mark the anniversary of the Emergency imposed in the country, proved to be politically and ideologically significant. Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Congress, describing the Emergency as the darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy.
He stated that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, was not merely a political decision but an act that strangled the Constitution, democracy and freedom of expression. The Chief Minister also made two major announcements to honor the ‘Democracy Warriors’ (Loktantra Senanis) who fought to protect democracy: the provision of cashless health facilities worth Rs 5 lakh and arrangements for funerals with state honors.
Emergency Termed the Biggest Attack on Democracy
At a special event held in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, remains an indelible, dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy. He stated that the then-Congress government attempted to trample upon the basic spirit of the Constitution in a bid to cling to political power.
The Chief Minister noted that while the people are supreme in a democracy, that era saw measures such as suppressing the public voice, imprisoning the opposition and imposing censorship on the media. This was not merely action against political adversaries but a direct assault on democratic values and civil rights.
The Soul of Baba Saheb’s Constitution Was Trampled
In his address, Yogi Adityanath stated that the Emergency was not just a political blunder but a strike against the very soul of the Constitution drafted by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He pointed out that while the Constitution guarantees citizens freedom of expression, justice, and equal opportunity, all these rights were trampled upon during the Emergency.
The Chief Minister remarked that the very Constitution the Congress claims to protect today had suffered its greatest blow during their own tenure. He added that while dissent is respected in a democracy, dissent was criminalized during the Emergency.
Targeting the Current Congress Leadership
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the current Congress leadership. He remarked that those whose political forebears held democracy hostage by imposing the Emergency on the nation are the very same people who today claim to protect democracy while brandishing copies of the Constitution.
He stated that this duplicity has been fully exposed to the public. The people are well aware of who holds a genuine commitment to democracy and the Constitution, and who undermined democratic institutions for the sake of political self-interest.
A Grave Sin Committed to Cling to Power
Chief Minister Yogi stated that an impartial analysis of historical facts reveals there was no national interest behind the imposition of the Emergency. The decision was taken solely to cling to power and eliminate political opposition.
He noted that at the time, lakhs of youths, social activists, journalists and political workers were imprisoned. Bans were imposed on numerous social and cultural organizations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Press freedom was curtailed, and even writing a single word against the government was treated as a crime. The Chief Minister said that those who fought to protect democracy endured torture in prisons but refused to bow down. It was thanks to these struggles that the restoration of democracy in the country became possible.
Saluting the Struggle of ‘Democracy Warriors’
The Chief Minister remarked that the greatest struggle for the protection of democracy in the post-independence era was witnessed during the Emergency. He paid respectful tribute to all the ‘Democracy Warriors’ (Loktantra Senanis) who rose above personal interests to fight for the Constitution and democracy.
He stated that these warriors endured imprisonment and atrocities without regard for their families, careers, or personal comforts. The nation’s democracy owes a debt of gratitude to their sacrifice and selflessness.
Two Historic Announcements for ‘Democracy Warriors’
The highlight of the event was two major announcements made by the Chief Minister for the ‘Democracy Warriors.’ He stated that the state government would launch a comprehensive campaign dedicated to the honor and welfare of these warriors.
1. Cashless health facility worth five lakh rupees
The Chief Minister announced that cashless health facilities worth up to five lakh rupees annually would be provided to all ‘Loktantra Senanis’ (Democracy Fighters) in the state. Under this scheme, they will be able to avail themselves of modern medical services at empanelled government and private hospitals.
He stated that most of these Democracy Fighters are now senior citizens, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide them with quality healthcare facilities. This scheme will prove to be a significant step towards making their lives more secure and dignified.
2. Last Rites with State Honours
In a second significant announcement, the Chief Minister stated that upon the demise of any ‘Democracy Fighter’ (Loktantra Senani), their last rites would be performed with full state honors. The government will formulate a clear protocol and legal framework for this purpose. He remarked that those who dedicated their all to safeguarding democracy and the Constitution deserve respect until the very last moments of their lives. This arrangement will also inspire future generations to protect democracy.
Criticism of SP and RJD
In his address, the Chief Minister also targeted parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal. He noted that leaders of parties who once opposed the Emergency are now standing alongside the Congress, having forgotten the atrocities of that era.
He alleged that such parties are promoting politics that undermine democratic institutions and are attempting to mislead the public.
A Message for the New Generation to Learn from History
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that democracy does not function merely through elections; rather, it is strengthened by the protection of civil liberties, freedom of expression and constitutional values. Therefore, the new generation needs to learn from the history of the Emergency. He emphasized that democracy remains secure when citizens are vigilant and hold those in power accountable. The events of the Emergency serve as a warning that constant vigilance is essential to protect democratic institutions.
A Pledge to Safeguard Democracy
On the occasion of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s message was clear: democracy and the Constitution stand above any political party or individual. He stated that honoring ‘Democracy Fighters’ is not merely a formality but a symbol of gratitude towards democratic values.
In summary, through announcements such as health benefits worth five lakh rupees and state honors, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has conveyed the message that the contributions of those who struggled to protect democracy will never be forgotten. This message, delivered on the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, should not remain merely a memory of the past; it is also a pledge to further strengthen democracy for the future and thus, it should be remembered in that spirit as well.
