Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Indian Leaders Mark Emergency's 50th Anniversary with Criticism
Fifty years ago, India faced a tough time called the Emergency.
The government then, led by Indira Gandhi, made some big changes.
They stopped people's freedoms, put many in jail, and controlled the news.
Politicians and leaders are now talking about this time, calling it a dark chapter.
They want everyone to remember what happened and why it was wrong.
It's like a reminder to protect our rights and freedom.
Multiple leaders, including Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, criticized the Emergency imposed in 1975, terming it a 'dark era' and a 'blot' on Indian democracy.
The Emergency, declared on June 25, 1975, led to suspension of civil liberties, arrest of opposition leaders, and suppression of press freedom.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh urged youth to understand how the Constitution was 'crushed' during the Emergency and highlighted his family's suffering.
Several leaders, including Amit Shah and Anurag Thakur, connected the Emergency to dynastic politics and criticized the Congress.
The event marked 50 years since the Emergency, with various leaders and parties holding events to commemorate the event and criticize the actions.
- Who
- Various political leaders including Vishnu Deo Sai, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Amit Shah, Anurag Thakur, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Nitish Kumar, and others; Indira Gandhi.
- What
- The 50th anniversary commemorations of the Emergency in India and the political reactions surrounding it.
- When
- June 25, 1975 (Emergency declaration) and June 25, 2024 (50th anniversary commemorations).
- Where
- Across India, with specific events in Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kerala and Delhi.
- Why
- To reflect on the Emergency's impact, criticize its actions, and emphasize the importance of protecting democratic values and the Constitution.
Congress's Stance
BJP's and Others' Stance
Justification vs. Criticism
Congress's Stance
Decision to impose Emergency was constitutional.
BJP's and Others' Stance
Criticism of the alleged current 'undeclared Emergency'.
- Event
- 50th Anniversary of Emergency
- Date of Emergency Declaration
- June 25, 1975
- Key Figure
- Indira Gandhi
- Key Actions During Emergency
- Suspension of Civil Liberties, Arrests, Censorship
- Criticism
- Viewed as an assault on democracy
- Current Reactions
- Events and statements by political leaders
Sources
Call for ‘sampoorna kranti’ shook Indira govt:| How a semi-retired Jayaprakash Narayan stirred student protests into a storm
Emergency at 50: Activists recount horrors of arbitrary arrests
‘Fake socialists’ like Akhilesh sitting in lap of those who imposed Emergency: Keshav Maurya
Gowda recalls dark days in foreword to book on PM Modi’s role during Emergency
Growth of democracy depends on press freedom: Puducherry Lt Guv Kailashnathan
Why Cong becomes defensive on mention of Emergency: Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Kharge
The Jana Sangh face, who stood between JP and police
Kerala Governor Arlekar terms Emergency period as ‘dark era’
Cong: Decision to impose Emergency in 1975 constitutional, undeclared Emergency now
Emergency blot on world’s largest democracy: Anurag Thakur
PM Modi uprooted dynastic politics in 2014: Amit Shah slams Emergency
Bihar NDA marks Emergency anniversary with sharp attack on Congress, RJD
Youth should know how Constitution was crushed during Emergency: Chhattisgarh CM Sai