Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, terming the Emergency of 1975 as a grim reminder of its “anti-democratic mentality” and attributing it to “just one person” — a veiled reference to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In a post on X, Shah paid tribute to the countless citizens who bore the brunt of the Emergency, observing that June 25, 1975, marked the beginning of what he described as the “Age of Injustice” driven by the Congress’ hunger for power.

“The Emergency was not a national necessity. It was a dark reflection of Congress’ dictatorial mindset,” Shah asserted. He said the imposition led to the throttling of press freedom, curbing of judiciary’s independence, and the jailing of social workers and opposition leaders. “This day reminds us that when power becomes autocratic, the people have the strength to uproot it,” he added.

Echoing sentiments voiced previously, Shah reiterated that the Narendra Modi government has designated June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Killing Day) to ensure future generations understand the pain and trauma that India went through during the 21-month period of Emergency.

“The people raised the slogan ‘Sinhasan Khali Karo’ (Vacate the Throne) and brought an end to dictatorial rule,” he noted, while paying heartfelt tribute to those who endured the “inhuman atrocities” of that era.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had last year issued a gazette notification recognising June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, citing “gross abuse of power” and the need to keep the “eternal flame of individual freedom and defence of democracy alive in every Indian.”