In June, the term ‘Samvidhan’ (Constitution) gained prominence across India, from the streets to Parliament. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, clad in a crisp white t-shirt, carried a small version of the Constitution while taking oath as Rae Bareli MP, concluding his speech with ‘Jai Samvidhan’ (Hail Constitution). His gesture was echoed by several Opposition MPs.
The government’s move to introduce a resolution on emergency to counter the Congress’s stance was expected. However, the surprise came when the Narendra Modi government issued a gazette notification declaring June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’ (Constitution Murder Day), to be observed annually. This date marks the imposition of Emergency by Indira Gandhi in 1975.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Emergency as an unexpected opportunity (Aapda Mein Avsar) that allowed him to engage with diverse political ideologies and perspectives. The government’s proactive stance ahead of the upcoming budget session reflects its strategy of offense as the best defense.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Indira Gandhi for her “dictatorial mindset” in a post on X, contrasting sharply with Rahul Gandhi’s advocacy for ‘Saving Constitution’. This move by the Modi government appears to be part of a broader strategy aimed at confronting the Congress.
Last month, during a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu referred to the Emergency as “the biggest and darkest chapter of direct attack on the Constitution.”
The decision to take an offensive approach is motivated by two primary reasons. Firstly, it counters the Congress’s narrative that BJP opposes the Constitution, which has been effective in shaping public opinion, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh. Secondly, it puts other parties, like Janata Dal (United), Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, which also faced challenges during the Emergency, in a difficult position if they oppose BJP’s initiative.
The annual observance of Samvidhan Hatya Divas aims to educate younger generations, who may be unaware of the atrocities of the Emergency era, including mass sterilization campaigns and political arrests. By bringing this history into public discourse annually, the BJP seeks to challenge the Congress’s legacy and sway public opinion.
Overall, the government’s notification serves multiple strategic purposes, aiming to consolidate its stance on the Constitution while reshaping historical narratives for contemporary political advantage.
