Emergency Anniversary 2025: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma condemns Congress for strangling the Constitution during the 1975 Emergency. Understand its impact on democracy, relevance for UPSC, and key facts.
Assam CM: “Never Forget the Dark Days” — On Emergency Anniversary, Congress ‘Strangled the Constitution’
Paragraph Heading: Assam CM’s Powerful Reminder on Emergency Day
On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a stirring reminder: “Never forget the dark days.” He strongly criticized the Indian National Congress, accusing them of undermining the Indian Constitution during those tumultuous months. Sarma emphasized that the Emergency was not a justified political move, but rather “Congress strangled the Constitution,” a phrase that captured the severity of democratic suppression during that period.
Paragraph Heading: Context of the Anniversary Observance
The Emergency, declared on June 25, 1975, by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 upon Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s advice, remained in place until March 21, 1977. This 21-month period saw the suspension of civil liberties, media censorship, and the arrest of thousands of political opponents without trial. Over 100,000 dissidents—including journalists, opposition leaders, and civil rights activists—were detained by the government.
Paragraph Heading: Regional Leadership Joins National Narrative
Sarma’s statement aligns with remarks from other BJP leaders at the national level. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Emergency as a “dark chapter” in Indian democratic history. Amit Shah underscored that “the nation never bows down to dictatorship,” whereas PM Modi said democracy was “placed under arrest” in 1975—highlighting a united stance of current ruling party leaders on this historical issue.
Paragraph Heading: Assam CM’s Specific Criticism
In his address, Mr. Sarma criticized Congress’s intentions during the Emergency. He rejected the notion that it was aimed at curbing political violence or sedition, asserting instead that it was a tool for political domination. According to him, it was an intentional move by the Congress to “enjoy political supremacy” at the cost of democratic values.
Paragraph Heading: Significance for Assam and the Northeast
In the Northeast, where political sensitivities run high, Sarma’s remarks resonated deeply. Other BJP-led state Chief Ministers echoed similar sentiments, with Manipur CM N. Biren Singh calling the Emergency a direct threat to democracy and Assam CM describing the period as a “manifestation of anger aimed at political dominance.” These voices represent a broader regional politicization of the Emergency anniversary.
Paragraph Heading: Ties to National Commemoration
This regional commentary coincides with the national declaration of June 25 as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” or “Constitution Murder Day.” This designation underscores the ongoing political framing of the Emergency as a strict constitutional violation—turning remembrance into political messaging.
Paragraph Heading: SEO Focus and Exam Relevance
For aspirants preparing for governmental examinations like PSCs, banking, railways, defence, and civil services (IAS, PCS), this topic holds high significance. The Emergency is a recurring theme in history, polity, ethics, and current affairs sections—especially its constitutional implications and democratic effects. Incorporating keywords like “Emergency anniversary 2025,” “Assam CM on Emergency,” and “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” enhances search discoverability.
Why This News Is Important
Defining a Constitutional Turning Point
The Emergency’s recollection as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” marks June 25, 1975, as a symbol of constitutional breakdown. Understanding this event is essential for PSC, banking, police, railway, defence, and civil services aspirants. It reinforces knowledge about India’s constitutional resilience and systemic checks and balances under duress.
Political Framing and Contemporary Relevance
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks fit within a broader national narrative that revisits the Emergency as a critical lesson in safeguarding democratic values. Contemporary politicization—evident in current government commemorations—offers a basis for understanding how historical memory shapes modern political discourse, which is relevant for questions on public policy, governance, and political science.
Strategic Themes for Exam Preparation
Students should note the themes of constitutional misuse, press censorship, and political arrests. These align with UPSC’s demand for nuanced understanding in General Studies papers—especially on topics like democratic institutions, fundamental rights, crisis handling, and constitutional amendments. The term “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” is likely to feature in both preliminary and mains exams.
Historical Context
Emergency 1975–77: Causes and Effects
The Emergency was triggered after Indira Gandhi was convicted by the Allahabad High Court in June 1975 for abusing state machinery in elections. Under Article 352, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed sanctioned the Emergency, giving the Prime Minister emergency powers to govern by decree. Over the next 21 months, democratic institutions were subverted, opposition leaders and journalists were detained, and forced sterilizations and media censorship became widespread. More than 100,000 people were arrested.
Post-Emergency Reforms and Legacy
After its repeal in March 1977, India experienced sweeping political change—Indira Gandhi’s Congress was ousted, and constitutional reforms followed. These included the 44th Amendment and introduction of safeguards to restrict arbitrary Emergency impositions and protect fundamental rights. The Emergency remains a landmark in Indian polity exams for understanding constitutional resilience and democratic safeguards.
Key Takeaways from “Assam CM on Emergency Anniversary”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 25, 2025 strongly condemned the Emergency, saying Congress “strangled the Constitution.” |
| 2 | The Emergency (June 25, 1975 – Mar 21, 1977) suspended civil liberties, censored media, and saw over 100,000 arrests. |
| 3 | BJP leaders such as Amit Shah and PM Modi termed it a “dark chapter,” with June 25 designated “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.” |
| 4 | Northeast BJP CMs echoed the sentiment, calling it an authoritarian move aimed at political dominance—not national interest. |
| 5 | The topic’s relevance: constitutional misuse, democratic erosion, and historical awareness—key subjects for govt exam aspirants. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What was the Emergency in India and when was it declared?
The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It lasted until March 21, 1977. During this time, civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and political opponents were jailed.
Q2. Why is the Emergency relevant for government exam preparation?
The Emergency period is important for exams such as UPSC, PSCs, and other civil service exams as it highlights constitutional provisions, fundamental rights, governance issues, and political history.
Q3. What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma say about the Emergency?
He referred to the Emergency as a time when Congress “strangled the Constitution” and stated it should never be forgotten. He emphasized that it was an authoritarian move, not a necessity.
Q4. What is “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas”?
“Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” translates to Constitution Murder Day. It is how the BJP refers to June 25 to mark the anniversary of the Emergency.
Q5. What were the consequences of the Emergency on Indian democracy?
It led to mass arrests, media censorship, curtailment of fundamental rights, and public backlash. Post-Emergency reforms, including the 44th Amendment, aimed to prevent such misuse of power in the future.
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