Guwahati, June 26: The 1975 Emergency was one of the bleakest periods in India’s democratic history, the Assam Pradesh BJP asserted on Thursday as it observed June 25 as ‘Black Day’ and paid tribute to over 120 Loktantra Senanis (democracy fighters) and the families of those who had suffered during the 21-month Emergency.
The commemorative event, held at the Sri Sri Madhabdev International Auditorium, was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia, Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Assam BJP in-charge Harish Dwivedi, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Ministers Nilamoni Phookan and Kaushik Rai, along with several senior party leaders.
As part of the programme, democracy fighters and their family members were felicitated in recognition of their role and sacrifices during the Emergency. The Assam government has also extended recognition and support to several individuals affected during the period.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, was a direct attack on democracy and civil liberties.
“The declaration of the Emergency 51 years ago imposed severe constraints on India’s democratic framework. The suspension of constitutional rights and the imprisonment of activists, journalists and political leaders made it a period of shame for the nation. We must ensure that future generations never forget this dark era,” Sarma said.
Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia said the Emergency reflected the erosion of democratic principles under the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-led Congress government.
“On June 25, 1975, democracy was strangled through the imposition of the Emergency. Guided by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, leaders and volunteers across the country resisted authoritarian rule. Several national leaders, including Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, were imprisoned until the Emergency was lifted in March 1977,” Saikia said.
He said the BJP observes the day every year to remember those who suffered in the fight to restore democracy.
“Today, we have honoured more than 120 Loktantra Senanis and their family members, remembering those who endured imprisonment, torture and mental agony. It is important that future generations learn from history so that such a chapter is never repeated,” he added.
The BJP leaders reiterated that the party would continue to safeguard democratic traditions, constitutional values and the rights of every citizen.
