On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the 21-month period of authoritarian rule imposed by the Congress government in 1975, describing it as "one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history." In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Modi marked the day as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’—the day the Constitution was "murdered"—and pledged to uphold the spirit of democracy and constitutional values.
“No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of the Constitution was violated during the Emergency,” PM Modi said, adding that his government remains committed to strengthening constitutional principles and building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
During the Emergency, which lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was crushed, and thousands of political leaders, activists, students, and common citizens were imprisoned without trial. Modi stated, “It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest.”
He specifically highlighted the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, calling it a symbol of how deeply democratic institutions were tampered with. The amendment, passed during the Emergency, made sweeping changes to the Constitution and was later reversed by the Janata Party government after Congress's electoral defeat.
“The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were especially targeted. Their dignity was insulted,” Modi added. He honoured those who resisted the Emergency across party lines, saying, “They stood firm, united by one aim: to protect India's democratic fabric and uphold the ideals for which our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives.”
“The collective struggle of these citizens forced the then Congress government to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost,” the prime minister recalled.
Reaffirming the government's vision, he concluded, “We reiterate our commitment to the principles of the Constitution and to building a nation where every Indian, especially the poor and marginalised, achieves their full potential.”
