As India commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation's democratic fabric. The Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, remains a significant and somber event in India's post-independence history.

The Prime Minister has consistently condemned the Emergency as a "dark chapter" in India's democratic history, a period during which fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and numerous political leaders, social workers, students, and ordinary citizens were jailed. He has called June 25th "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" (Constitution Murder Day) to commemorate the event and pay tribute to those who suffered and fought against the abuse of power during that time.

Speaking on his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Modi emphasized that those who imposed the Emergency not only "murdered the Constitution" but also attempted to control the judiciary. He played remarks from prominent anti-Emergency politicians to highlight the atrocities committed against the people during that period. Modi stressed that remembering these events inspires the public to stay alert and keep the Constitution strong.

The Emergency was a 21-month period when civil liberties were suspended, the Constitution was altered to expand central power, the media was censored, and mass detentions took place. The move was triggered by political unrest following the Allahabad High Court's verdict invalidating Indira Gandhi's 1971 election due to electoral malpractice. This decision sparked nationwide protests and mass mobilizations.

In response to the court ruling and growing opposition, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, citing "internal disturbance" as the reason. This action allowed the central government to assume broad powers, leading to widespread arrests and suppression of dissent. The press was heavily censored, and civil liberties were curtailed.

Political reactions to the 50th anniversary have been sharp, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties trading accusations. While the BJP has used the anniversary to condemn the Congress party's actions during the Emergency, opposition leaders have alleged an "undeclared emergency" under the current government.

The Prime Minister saluted those who stood firm against the Emergency, emphasizing that people from all walks of life and diverse ideologies united to protect India's democratic fabric. He reiterated his government's commitment to strengthening the principles enshrined in the Constitution and working towards a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).

The Emergency serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of upholding constitutional values. As India marks this 50th anniversary, the call to stay vigilant and safeguard the Constitution resonates deeply, urging citizens to protect the nation's democratic ethos.