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Chief Minister Attends ‘Constitution Murder Day’ Program on the 50th Anniversary of the Emergency; Visits Special Exhibition
Raipur, 25 June 2025 – Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Constitution Murder Day program today at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister said that it is crucial for future generations to know, understand, and learn from the dark day when democracy was stifled. He grew emotional recalling the Emergency period and said it was not merely a historical incident but a deeply personal pain for him.
The Chief Minister shared that his grand uncle, the late Mr. Narhari Prasad Sai, was imprisoned for 19 months during the Emergency. “The condition of the homes of democracy fighters was miserable – at times they couldn’t even light their stoves. I witnessed such suffering personally,” he said. He recalled how authoritarian power during that time crushed freedom of expression and stripped citizens of their rights. “It was truly a black day for democracy, and my family bore its sting. I lived through it.”
During the program, the Chief Minister honored families of democracy fighters by presenting them with shawls, coconuts, and commemorative mementos.
He stated that the Chhattisgarh government is actively honoring families of democracy fighters. These families are provided a monthly honorarium ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 as a humble tribute to their struggle and sacrifice.
Speaking to the students and youth present, the Chief Minister emphasized that protecting the Constitution is a collective responsibility. He urged young people to learn about the Emergency and understand how constitutional rights were trampled during that period. He asserted that public awareness and active participation are vital to keeping democracy alive and strong.
Speaker Dr. Raman Singh: Emergency Was a Stain on Indian Democracy
Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh remarked that the Emergency imposed on the country was a dark stain on Indian democracy and the Constitution. “The Emergency rendered the Constitution inactive and crushed the soul of democracy by abolishing fundamental rights,” he said.
He further stated that during the Emergency, the country turned into an open prison filled with fear and terror. Over 100,000 people were jailed without due process and subjected to torture. “This was not just political oppression, but a planned attack on India’s democratic conscience.” He called on the youth to study and understand the Emergency and recognize the sacrifices made to protect democracy. “We must remain ever vigilant to ensure democracy’s future safety.”
Keynote Speaker: June 25, 1975 Was the Darkest Day in Indian Democracy
The keynote speaker, Mr. Baldev Bhai Sharma, former Vice Chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication, said, “June 25, 1975, was the most shameful and darkest day in Indian democracy. The way the Constitution and democratic values were crushed that day has no parallel in world history.” Arbitrary amendments were made to the Constitution that suppressed national consciousness and civil rights, he noted.
CM Participates in Public Awareness Rally, Visits Emergency Exhibition
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai also participated in a public awareness rally held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
Both the Chief Minister and Speaker Dr. Raman Singh visited a special exhibition organized at the auditorium, which depicted the oppressive policies, human rights violations, and democratic suppression during the Emergency through photographs and documents.
Mr. Sai remarked that the Emergency is a dark chapter in India’s democratic history and must not be forgotten. “Such exhibitions are instrumental in helping the new generation understand the importance of democracy and the Constitution.”
Dr. Raman Singh praised the initiative and said the exhibition is a true tribute to those who fought to protect democracy.
Dignitaries Present
Also present on the occasion were Industry Minister Mr. Lakhan Lal Dewangan, MLAs Mr. Purandar Mishra, Guru Khushwant Saheb, Mr. Motilal Sahu, CSIDC Chairman Mr. Rajeev Agrawal, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Mr. Neelu Sharma, National Vice President of Loktantra Senani Sangh Mr. Sachchidanand Upasne, State President Mr. Diwakar Tiwari, Chhattisgarh Sahitya Academy Chairman Mr. Shashank Sharma, Director of Culture Mr. Vivek Acharya, along with a large number of intellectuals, democracy activists, and students.
