Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh organized a series of programs in Shimla on the occasion of “Constitution Murder Day” to mark the Emergency imposed in 1975. The BJP Marks Emergency 1975 highlighted the dark phase of Indian democracy and paid tribute to those who opposed it.
Exhibition on Emergency Era at Mall Road
As part of the BJP Marks Emergency 1975, the party organized a special exhibition near the Rotary Town Hall on Mall Road. BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal inaugurated the exhibition.
The display showcased photographs, documents, and visuals related to the Emergency period. In addition, they highlighted press censorship, attacks on democracy, and the struggles of democracy activists who faced imprisonment during that time.
Public Program at Kali Bari Hall
Furthermore, organizers held a public event at Kali Bari Hall in Shimla. Senior BJP leader and former minister Suresh Bhardwaj presided over the program.
During the event, organizers honored democracy fighters and their families who faced imprisonment during the 1975 Emergency. The program recognized their sacrifice and contribution to restoring democracy in India.
BJP Leaders Criticize Emergency Period
Addressing the gathering, BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal called June 25, 1975, the darkest chapter in India’s democratic history. He said the then Congress government imposed Emergency to protect its own power and suppressed constitutional values.
They stated that lakhs of political leaders, journalists, RSS workers, and citizens faced imprisonment during that period. In addition, they said that the authorities completely crushed freedom of expression.
Personal Experience Shared by Dr. Bindal
In addition, Dr. Bindal shared his personal experience from the Emergency period. He said he worked as an RSS volunteer during his student life in Haryana and operated underground activities to support democracy.
He explained how activists printed pamphlets at night using cyclostyle machines and distributed them secretly. Eventually, authorities arrested him and sent him to Karnal Jail, where he faced severe physical and mental torture.
Struggles of Democracy Activists Highlighted
Furthermore, Dr. Bindal described the harsh treatment faced by activists in jail. He said many were beaten brutally, falsely charged, and tortured. Some even lost their lives after release.
He added that press freedom was completely abolished during Emergency. Newspapers faced strict censorship, and media houses were controlled by the government.
Role of RSS and Underground Workers
Additionally, he highlighted the role of RSS leaders and underground workers in keeping the democratic movement alive. He mentioned a letter from RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras, which inspired thousands of workers during that time.
According to him, both jailed and underground workers played a crucial role in protecting democracy in India.
Democracy Restored in 1977
Moreover, he said that the 1977 elections marked the restoration of democracy when the people rejected authoritarian rule. He emphasized that the victory proved that Indians will never accept dictatorship.
Call to Educate Youth
Finally, BJP leaders stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about the Emergency. They said awareness about history is essential to protect democracy and constitutional values in the future.
Key Highlights of the news:
- BJP Marks Emergency 1975 event in Shimla
- Exhibition held at Mall Road on press censorship and democracy
- Democracy fighters and families honored
- Leaders criticize Emergency as darkest democratic phase
- Call to educate youth about constitutional values
