PM Modi calls Emergency ‘Darkest chapter in India’s history’, launches book on his role in resistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975 by the then Congress government, calling it a time when the Constitution’s spirit was violated and democratic rights were suspended. The Emergency lasted 21 months, during which civil liberties were curbed, political opponents jailed, and press freedom restricted. The BJP-led government is observing the day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.

In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister said, “Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and several political leaders, social workers, students, and ordinary citizens were jailed.” He added, “It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest.”

The Prime Minister also announced the release of a new book titled The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader, published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation. The book covers his journey as a young Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak during the Emergency years, detailing how he operated underground, evaded arrest, and participated in the anti-Emergency movement. The foreword of the book is written by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

Referring to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment introduced during the Emergency, PM Modi said it reflected how the Congress government made extensive changes to the Constitution. He stated that the poor, marginalised, and downtrodden were particularly targeted and their dignity was insulted. The Prime Minister said his government remains committed to strengthening constitutional principles and achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”

PM Modi also paid tribute to those who opposed the Emergency. “We salute every person who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency,” he said. “These were the people from all over India, from all walks of life, from diverse ideologies who worked closely with each other with one aim: to protect India’s democratic fabric.” He urged citizens and those who experienced the Emergency to share their memories to raise awareness among the youth.