Bharatiya Janata Party, Chandigarh, organized a grand and dignified programme at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, on the occasion of Constitution Murder Day (Samvidhan Hatya Diwas). Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event as the Chief Guest and Key Speaker. The programme was presided over by BJP Chandigarh President Jatinder Pal Malhotra.
National Vice President Saudan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Verma was specially present on the occasion. Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi, State General Secretary Rambir Bhatti, Convenor of Morchas and Cells Shakti Devshali, State Vice Presidents Indra Singh and Bharat Kumar, and State Media In-charge Ravi Rawat were present on the dais.
Senior BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Satya Pal Jain also addressed the gathering. Addressing the programme, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that June 25, 1975, was the darkest day in the history of Indian democracy when the then Congress government attacked the very spirit of the Constitution, democratic institutions, and civil liberties in order to retain power.
He stated that India is not merely a geographical entity but a civilization with thousands of years of cultural heritage and democratic traditions. India’s democratic ethos is deeply rooted in its civilizational values, which is why India is regarded as the Mother of Democracy.
Dharmendra Pradhan said that after Independence, the framers of the Constitution envisioned an India where the people would be supreme and governance would function within the framework of the Constitution. However, by imposing the Emergency on June 25, 1975, the then Congress government attempted to crush these democratic ideals.
Freedom of expression was curtailed, the voice of the press was suppressed, opposition leaders were imprisoned, and thousands of democracy warriors were subjected to severe hardships and persecution. He said that instead of respecting the judgment of the Allahabad High Court, the nation was pushed into the shackles of Emergency.
Fundamental rights of citizens were suspended, and an atmosphere of fear was created throughout the country. The Congress government misused the entire state machinery to suppress political opposition. He emphasized that democracy is not merely about elections but about safeguarding individual liberty, freedom of thought, and respect for constitutional values.
He added that at a time when the world looks towards India with hope and confidence, it is essential for the younger generation to understand the truth about this dark chapter of the nation’s history. During the programme, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan honoured democracy warriors and senior BJP leaders Shri Desh Raj Tandon, Shri Jatinder Chopra, Shri Om Prakash Ahuja, Shri Surinder Mahajan, and Shri Dharamvir by presenting them with ceremonial shawls.
The audience applauded their courage, sacrifice, and contribution to the protection of democracy. Dharmendra Pradhan said that the sacrifices made by democracy warriors are an invaluable part of India’s democratic legacy.
Despite imprisonment, persecution, and personal suffering during the Emergency, they ensured that the flame of democracy continued to burn. Their dedication and commitment to the nation will continue to inspire future generations to defend constitutional values and democratic freedoms.
Presiding over the programme, BJP Chandigarh President Jatinder Pal Malhotra said that the Emergency remains an indelible blot on Indian democracy. He stated that thousands of patriotic citizens and political workers endured imprisonment and hardships to protect democratic values.
Through the observance of Constitution Murder Day, the BJP is ensuring that the younger generation remains aware of the sacrifices made by democracy warriors. He stressed that every citizen must remain vigilant to safeguard democracy and the Constitution.
Senior BJP leader and former MP Satya Pal Jain, while sharing his personal experiences from the Emergency period, said that the then Congress government misused the entire administrative machinery to crush political dissent. Thousands of democracy activists, social workers, and innocent citizens were jailed without any fault.
He described the night of June 25, 1975, as one of the saddest nights in the history of Indian democracy, when the nation was pushed into darkness to protect political power. Satya Pal Jain said that in those days there were no mobile phones or modern communication systems.
News spread through radio broadcasts, and gradually reports of mass arrests reached every corner of the country. The suffering was not limited to those imprisoned; their families also endured severe economic and social hardships.
He said that the Emergency was not merely an attempt to silence political opponents but a calculated assault on democracy, constitutional values, and civil liberties. He further stated that Constitution Murder Day is not merely a day of remembrance but an occasion to pay tribute to thousands of known and unknown democracy warriors whose sacrifices ensured that democratic institutions in India remained strong and vibrant.
A large number of democracy warriors, party office-bearers, workers, and distinguished citizens participated in the programme. The gathering paid tribute to all those who fought for the protection of democracy and reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional values and democratic principles.
In the end, BJP Chandigarh General Secretary Rambir Bhatti proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all distinguished guests, democracy warriors, party workers, and citizens for making the programme a grand success.