Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticizes PM Narendra Modi for declaring June 25th as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' while also accusing him of imposing an undeclared Emergency for 10 years. Ramesh labels June 4th as 'ModiMuktiDiwas' and condemns the PM for assaulting the Constitution of India and its principles.
BJP and Congress Lock Horns over 'Emergency' and 'Constitution Day' Controversy
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress have been embroiled in a war of words over the commemoration of 'Emergency' and 'Constitution Day.' The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 25th as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Emergency.
Congress's Accusations
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Modi of declaring June 25th as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to "undermine the foundational values of the Indian Constitution." He also alleged that Modi had imposed an "undeclared Emergency" for the past ten years, citing the silencing of dissent and the erosion of democratic institutions.
BJP's Rebuttal
The BJP has refuted the allegations of an "undeclared Emergency," stating that Modi's government has upheld constitutional principles and ensured the protection of individual rights. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra highlighted the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act, the abrogation of Article 370, and the triple talaq ban as examples of the government's commitment to constitutional values.
'ModiMuktiDiwas' and 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'
Ramesh has announced June 4th, the day Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister in 2014, as 'ModiMuktiDiwas' (Modi Liberation Day). He asserted that this day marked the beginning of the "assault on the Constitution and its values."
Historical Context
The Emergency was a period of authoritarian rule imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977. During this time, fundamental rights were suspended, political opponents were arrested, and the press was censored. The Emergency remains a contentious event in Indian history, with different political parties interpreting its legacy differently.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What was the Emergency?
A period of authoritarian rule in India from 1975 to 1977, characterized by the suspension of fundamental rights, the arrest of political opponents, and the censorship of the press.
2. Who imposed the Emergency?
Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India.
3. Why was the Emergency declared?
Gandhi claimed it was necessary to quell internal unrest and opposition to her government.
4. What was the impact of the Emergency?
The Emergency had a devastating impact on democratic institutions, civil liberties, and the rule of law in India.
5. When was the Emergency lifted?
The Emergency was lifted in 1977 after Gandhi's defeat in the general elections.
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