Guwahati, June 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday described the 1975 Emergency as a “dark chapter” in India’s democratic history, stating that it was imposed to suppress democratic values and civil liberties.
Marking the anniversary of the Emergency, the Chief Minister paid tribute to those who resisted the period, referring to them as “brave warriors” who fought to safeguard democracy.
In a post on social media, Sarma said, “We remember that dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, when in 1975 the Emergency was imposed in an attempt to crush the country’s democratic values and civil liberties.”
Offering his respects to those who opposed the Emergency, he added, “Humble salutations to all the brave warriors who struggled to protect democracy.”
The Emergency remained in force from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, after it was proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution.
Since 2025, the Union Government has observed June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. According to a gazette notification issued by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Emergency period was marked by a “gross abuse of power”, during which citizens were subjected to excesses and violations of civil liberties.
The observance is intended to commemorate those who resisted the Emergency and to reinforce the importance of protecting democratic institutions and constitutional values.
