Emergency turns 50: Modi government brands Congress the enemy of democracy
On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched a strong political campaign aimed at putting the Congress party’s legacy under doubt.
The BJP-led NDA government has undertaken a major exercise to memorialise the event as a warning against any future authoritarian measures.
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In a series of events organised across the country—including the release of a new book based on PM Modi’s role during the Emergency as a young political activist—the BJP has turned the Emergency into a moment of national reflection, hitting out strongly at the Congress party’s "anti-democratic mindset".
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at an event to mark the anniversary, described the Emergency as the age of injustice and the result of not national necessity, but Congress’ hunger for power. He blamed Indira Gandhi for the suspension of democratic rights and freedoms, arguing that it reflected an authoritarian mindset within the Congress.
Shah said that it was important to keep the memory of the Emergency alive so that future generations would remain aware of what could happen when power is misused. According to him, remembering such events helped ensure that young people grew up ready to stand up against injustices and undemocratic behaviour.
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To emphasise the importance of the day, the Modi government has officially chosen to observe June 25 each year as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day). This is meant to remind the country that the Constitution was subverted during the Emergency and that citizens’ basic rights were taken away.
At the same event, Shah released a new book, titled ‘The Emergency Diaries: Years That Forged a Leader’. The book presents personal stories and archival material showing Modi’s role as a young activist during the Emergency. Shah said Modi had played a key part in the underground resistance movement in Gujarat, distributing secret newspapers and working in disguise. The book aims to portray Modi as someone who, from his early years, was committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution.
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The Union Cabinet also joined in marking the day, with ministers observing two minutes of silence in honour of those who resisted the Emergency and suffered for standing up for democracy.
A statement released after the Cabinet meeting described the Emergency as a time when India’s constitutional and democratic spirit was attacked, federalism was weakened, and people’s rights and dignity were suspended.
The government’s messaging on the 50th anniversary is clear. First, it presents the Emergency not merely as a political mistake, but as a serious assault on India’s democratic foundations. Second, it highlights the Congress party’s role in that assault. And third, it draws a sharp contrast between that legacy and Prime Minister Modi’s claimed record of defending democracy, starting from his youth.
In doing so, the Modi government is not just remembering the past—it is using it to shape the present political debates. The effort is also intended to counter the Congress’ attacks on the current government, which often accuses it of acting with an anti-constitutional mindset.
India