Shimla, Jun 25 (PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday observed ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day) by organising a series of programmes in Shimla to commemorate the Emergency imposed by the then Congress government in 1975.
As part of the programme, an exhibition depicting the events of the Emergency was inaugurated by BJP State President Rajeev Bindal at Mall Road, opposite Rotary Town Hall.
The exhibition showcased historical documents, photographs, accounts of the Emergency, press censorship, and the struggle of ‘Loktantra Senanis’ in the 19 months.
Later, a programme was held at Kali Bari Hall under the chairmanship of former minister Suresh Bhardwaj.
During the programme, the Loktantra Senanis who were imprisoned during the Emergency and their family members were felicitated in recognition of their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to safeguarding democracy.
Addressing the gathering, Bindal said that June 25, 1975, was the darkest chapter in India’s democratic history.
He said that to safeguard its political power, the then Congress government imposed the Emergency, undermined the spirit of the Constitution, suspended civil liberties, and jailed thousands of political leaders, journalists, social workers, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers.
Bindal said that India was fortunate that democracy was restored after 19 months of relentless struggle.
He added that the restoration of democracy was not a gift from any government but the outcome of the sacrifices, courage, and determination of lakhs of patriots who endured imprisonment, torture, and persecution without compromising their commitment to democratic values.
Sharing his personal experiences, Bindal recalled his days as a student and an RSS volunteer who was part of the underground movement, printing and distributing literature on Emergency despite severe censorship.
He said that volunteers secretly operated cyclostyle machines during the night to print pamphlets and distribute them across universities and among influential citizens before dawn.
“Eventually, I was arrested and lodged in Karnal Jail, where I faced prolonged physical and mental torture along with fellow workers”, he said.
He said that a brief message sent from prison by the then RSS Sarsanghchalak, Balasaheb Deoras, became a source of inspiration for lakhs of volunteers across the country.
“Motivated by his message, thousands of workers remained underground to keep the organisation active and continue the nationwide struggle for the restoration of democracy,” he added.
He further said that it is the responsibility of the present generation to educate young people about the Emergency and the sacrifices made to protect democracy.
Presiding over the function, Bhardwaj termed the Emergency as the gravest assault on Indian democracy and said that the courage and sacrifices of democracy defenders would always remain etched in the nation’s history and that honouring them was a tribute to their invaluable contribution in safeguarding democratic values. PTI COR KSI KSI
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