Modi Remembers Emergency on 50th Anniversary

On June 25, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the nation in solemnly commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency—an era he described as “one of the darkest chapters” in India’s democratic journey. Marking half a century since the imposition of Emergency in 1975, the Prime Minister paid heartfelt homage to the countless individuals who bravely defended democracy during the 21-month period marked by the suspension of civil liberties and a severe erosion of constitutional values.

Recalling the events of that turbulent time, Shri Modi described June 25th as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas — the “Day of the Constitution’s Murder” — when fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and an authoritarian crackdown led to the jailing of political leaders, activists, journalists, students, and countless citizens.

“Today marks five decades since one of the bleakest periods in India’s democratic journey,” Prime Minister Modi wrote in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “It felt as though the Congress Government of the time had put democracy itself behind bars.”

The Prime Minister underscored the lasting importance of remembering those times, not only as a historical reflection but also as a vital lesson in safeguarding India’s democratic institutions. He expressed deep respect for all those who resisted the authoritarian regime and worked across political ideologies to restore democracy.

“We honour each and every individual who stood resolute against the Emergency,” said Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing that these brave citizens hailed from diverse walks of life and held varying ideologies, yet were united by their unwavering dedication to democratic principles. “It was through their united resistance that the Congress Government of the time was eventually compelled to restore democracy and hold fresh elections—elections in which they suffered a resounding defeat.”

When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am… https://t.co/nLY4Vb30Pu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025

Shri Modi also brought attention to the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution—passed during the Emergency—which curtailed the independence of the judiciary and concentrated more power in the executive. He described this amendment as a symbol of the abuse of power and an affront to constitutional morality.

In his message, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding and strengthening the Constitution. He emphasized that the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) can only be realized by staying true to the founding principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Reflecting personally on the era, PM Modi shared that he was a young RSS Pracharak during the Emergency, and the experience left a deep impact on him. “The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework,” he wrote, adding that he had learned a great deal from the diverse individuals involved in the resistance.

He also mentioned The Emergency Diaries, a book published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, which documents his journey and insights during those years. The foreword of the book has been penned by former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda, a fellow stalwart of the anti-Emergency movement.

Urging citizens—especially the youth—to understand the harsh realities of the Emergency, Prime Minister Modi encouraged people across the nation to share stories and personal accounts of those who suffered under the repressive regime. “This will help raise awareness among the younger generation about the shameful period from 1975 to 1977,” he emphasized.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have sparked widespread reflection across social media and public forums, as citizens, historians, and political figures revisit the significance of the Emergency and honor the resilience of India’s democratic spirit.

As India observes Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, PM Modi’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of freedom and the enduring need to guard constitutional values with vigilance and unity.