BJP Organises 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' Event
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday organised an event titled 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) in New Delhi, where it honoured 115 individuals who resisted the Emergency imposed in 1975. The party used the occasion to launch a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of subverting the Constitution during the 21-month Emergency period.
The event was held at a seminar in New Delhi, where the BJP honoured the 'Loktantra Senanis' (soldiers of democracy) for their courage and sacrifice in opposing the authoritarian measures taken by the then Indira Gandhi-led government. The BJP leaders highlighted the dark days of the Emergency, calling it a blot on India's democratic history.
BJP Attacks Congress Over Emergency
Addressing the gathering, senior BJP leaders criticised the Congress for what they termed as a 'murder of democracy' and 'constitutional vandalism' during the Emergency. They accused the Congress of betraying the trust of the people and undermining the democratic fabric of the nation. The party also demanded that the Congress apologise for its role in the Emergency.
The BJP's attack on Congress comes ahead of the upcoming elections, where the party is seeking to consolidate the anti-Congress vote. The Emergency remains a sensitive issue in Indian politics, and the BJP has consistently used it to question the Congress's commitment to democracy.
115 'Loktantra Senanis' Honoured
The BJP honoured 115 individuals who had been imprisoned or had suffered during the Emergency for opposing the government. These included political activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who had stood up against the suspension of civil liberties. The party presented them with shawls and certificates of appreciation as a mark of respect.
According to BJP sources, the event was part of a series of programmes planned by the party to highlight the excesses of the Emergency and to remind the public of the Congress's authoritarian past. The party has also planned similar events in other states in the coming weeks.
Political Reactions
The Congress party dismissed the BJP's accusations, calling it a diversionary tactic to shift attention from the government's failures. Congress spokesperson said, "The BJP is trying to rewrite history. The Emergency was a mistake, but the party has no moral right to lecture others when it has its own record of undermining democratic institutions."
Other opposition parties also criticised the BJP's event, accusing it of politicising a historical event for electoral gains. However, the BJP remained undeterred, with party president stating, "We will continue to expose the Congress's anti-democratic actions. The 'Loktantra Senanis' are heroes who must be remembered and honoured."
