Every sacrifice made to safeguard Democracy is an invaluable National Heritage: Nayab Singh Saini
The Emergency was the darkest chapter in Indian democracy; the new generation must learn from It and pledge to uphold democratic values: Chief Minister
5 Dariya News
Chandigarh 25-Jun-2026
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the sacrifices made by the ‘Loktantra Senanis’ who dedicated their lives to strengthening Indian democracy and safeguarding the Constitution, will continue to inspire future generations. He said that June 25, 1975, remains a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, when democratic rights were suppressed under the patronage of those in power and an Emergency was imposed across the country.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ programme held in Panchkula to mark 51 years since the imposition of the Emergency. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored the Loktantra Senanis by presenting them with a ceremonial stole and a certificate of appreciation.
The Chief Minister stated that the 21-month Emergency remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of Indian democracy. Driven by the arrogance of power, efforts were made to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
Opposition leaders were jailed, press freedom was curtailed, and every voice of dissent was silenced. He said that thousands of individuals who fought to safeguard democracy endured immense hardships and torture but remained steadfast in their commitment to democratic values and principles.
Nayab Singh Saini recalled that on June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court declared the election of the then Prime Minister void. However, instead of upholding democratic traditions and accepting the verdict, an Emergency was imposed across the country on the night of June 25, 1975. The fundamental rights of crores of citizens were suspended, and a severe blow was dealt to the spirit of the Constitution.
The Chief Minister said that even before the imposition of the Emergency, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan had given the historic call for ‘Sampoorna Kranti’ from Gandhi Maidan in Patna on June 5, 1974. He described it as a powerful people's movement aimed at safeguarding democracy and resisting authoritarianism.
He stated that in an attempt to suppress this democratic movement, several prominent national leaders were imprisoned, including Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Nanaji Deshmukh, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, George Fernandes, Biju Patnaik, Chandra Shekhar, and Sardar Parkash Singh Badal.
He said that during the Emergency, more than one lakh citizens were imprisoned, 253 journalists were arrested, and 1,564 people from Haryana were also jailed. Describing it as the gravest assault on democratic rights and freedom of expression, he said the period witnessed unprecedented curbs on civil liberties.
The Chief Minister stated that Haryana played a pivotal role in the struggle against the Emergency. Owing to its strategic location surrounding Delhi on three sides, the state became a major center of Emergency-era repression. Several prominent national leaders were placed under house arrest in Haryana.
At the same time, numerous political and social activists, along with hundreds of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers, were detained. He further noted that an RSS training camp (Shiksha Varg) being conducted in Rohtak had to be terminated prematurely following the imposition of the Emergency, and the organization's offices were subsequently sealed.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini remarked that despite the repression and hardships endured during the Emergency, Haryana remained resolute. Public awareness campaigns were carried out across villages and blocks, Satyagrahas were organized, and hundreds of people fearlessly courted arrest. This struggle, he said, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Haryana, whose people have never bowed before injustice or authoritarianism.
The Chief Minister described the Loktantra Senanis as an enduring source of inspiration. Just as freedom fighters sacrificed everything to secure the nation's independence, these Loktantra Senanis dedicated themselves to protecting democracy and safeguarding the Constitution. He emphasized that the message of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan remains as relevant today as ever: “Freedom is not won just once; it must be won every single day.”
He stated that the Haryana Government has consistently accorded high priority to the dignity and welfare of the Loktantra Senanis. The first Loktantra Senani Samman Samaroh was organized in Rohtak in 2015 to recognize their invaluable contribution to the preservation of democracy.
He further said that Loktantra Senani and their spouses have been extended medical facilities at par with government employees, along with travel concessions in Haryana Roadways buses. In addition, their monthly pension has been enhanced to Rs 20,000. At present, 501 Loktantra Senanis and their widows in the state are benefiting from this honor allowance.
The Chief Minister said that the Emergency imparts three important lessons. First, every citizen must remain constantly vigilant to safeguard democracy. Second, the strength and independence of institutions such as the judiciary, legislature, and executive are fundamental to the health of a democratic system. Third, in a democracy, the people are supreme; when citizens unite to protect their rights, no force can suppress their collective will.
He stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the nation is continuously strengthening democratic values and constitutional principles. The ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman’ (Our Constitution, Our Pride) campaign, launched to commemorate 75 years of the Constitution, reflects the country's unwavering commitment to democracy and constitutional ideals.
The Chief Minister further said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India has achieved significant progress in development, good governance, and public participation over the past 12 years. As a result, the country is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading economies and strengthening its position on the global stage.
The Chief Minister said that last year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency -described as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi had called for the entire year to be observed as a 'Smriti Varsh'.
He said that this observance is not merely an occasion to reflect on the past, but a nationwide effort to educate and inspire the younger generation about the importance of safeguarding democratic values and constitutional principles.
*Preserving the Priceless Legacy of Democracy is Our Collective Responsibility*
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that remembering the struggle against the Emergency and the sacrifices made by the Loktantra Senanis is not merely an exercise in recalling history, but an opportunity to draw inspiration for the future.
He called upon the people of the state to actively contribute to strengthening democracy, upholding constitutional values, and fostering national unity, so that India continues its journey as one of the world’s strongest, most vibrant, and most inspiring democracies.
Present on the occasion were Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Mayor Shyam Lal Bansal, former Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, State Vice President Banto Kataria, former Minister Aseem Goel, former Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, District President Ajay Mittal, Media Secretary Praveen Atrey and Loktantra Senanis.