Hyderabad, June 25: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, marked June 25, 1975, as one of the darkest chapters in independent India’s history. He stated that the Emergency imposed on this day suspended fundamental rights, stifled freedom of expression, enforced censorship on the press, and led to the arbitrary imprisonment of political opponents, journalists, and activists.
On the anniversary of the Emergency, Kishan Reddy shared his thoughts on the platform ‘X.’ The BJP commemorates this day as ‘Constitution Martyrdom Day.’
Kishan Reddy expressed, “As we observe ‘Constitution Martyrdom Day,’ we pay tribute to all those who bravely opposed tyranny and stood firm to protect democracy and the Constitution. Their sacrifices ensured that, despite unprecedented challenges, India’s democratic spirit remains intact.”
He added, “Let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to uphold constitutional values, strengthen democratic institutions, and safeguard the freedoms that are the foundation of our Republic.”
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, accused the Congress Party of conspiring to weaken the Constitution due to its hunger for power.
Sanjay Kumar remarked, “An undeclared tyranny crushed civil rights and silenced dissenting voices. A ruthless regime imposed severe restrictions on press freedom… The ‘Emergency’ imposed by Congress was a step that held ‘Bharat Mata’s’ soul hostage and mocked democracy.”
He called for honoring the sacrifices of heroes who laid down their lives to protect democracy and urged efforts to safeguard the Constitution.
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchandra Rao recalled the forced sterilization campaign during the Emergency, where government officials were given quotas. He posted on ‘X’ that teachers in states like Uttar Pradesh were threatened with salary cuts if they did not “motivate” a certain number of people to undergo sterilization.
During the Emergency, famous singer Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned on radio and television, despite being among the most popular of the 1970s. Reports suggest that Kishore Kumar refused to perform at a fundraiser for Sanjay Gandhi’s sterilization campaign, organized by the Youth Congress.
The BJP leader also reminded that Justice Jagmohan Sinha, who wrote the decision disqualifying Indira Gandhi from the Prime Minister’s position, faced significant harassment from a Congress MP in Prayagraj, forcing him to hide for ten days to write his judgment.
He stated, “A special CID task force even attempted to locate Justice Jagmohan Sinha’s decision and threatened his secretary late at night. Congress has always pressured institutions, and today it shamelessly speaks of the Constitution.”
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