PM Modi Marks 50 Years of Emergency, Vows to Uphold Constitution, Slams Congress for ‘Darkest Chapter’ in Democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, calling it one of the “darkest chapters in India’s democratic history” and asserting that no Indian will ever forget the violations of civil liberties during that period. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional values and democratic rights.

Taking to X, the PM said June 25 is remembered as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, a day when the Constitution was “murdered,” fundamental rights suspended, and thousands of citizens, students, activists and political leaders jailed during the 21-month Emergency imposed by the Congress-led government in 1975.

“It was as if the Congress Government placed democracy under arrest,” he said, adding that the press was gagged, courts were pressured, and Parliament silenced. “The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans,” Modi noted, slamming the then ruling party.

The BJP-led NDA observes June 25 every year to remember the Emergency and the erosion of democratic norms it entailed. Modi, who was a full-time RSS pracharak at the time, was part of the underground resistance movement led by opposition leaders, students, and civil society groups.

“We salute every person who stood firm against the Emergency… It was a collective struggle across ideologies and regions, united by a common goal—to protect India’s democratic fabric,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the sacrifices made during that time ensured that democracy was restored and fresh elections were held—leading to a historic defeat for the Congress.

He also mentioned a new book titled The Emergency Diaries, chronicling his experiences from that time, and encouraged survivors and their families to share their stories online to educate the younger generation.

“It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework,” Modi reflected. He thanked the BlueKraft Digital Foundation for compiling the stories, and former PM HD Deve Gowda for penning the foreword.

Reiterating his vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Modi said his government remains committed to fulfilling the dreams of the poor, marginalised and downtrodden—who were “especially targeted” during the Emergency era.