VP, PM and HM pay tribute to those who defended democracy during Emergency

New Delhi, Jun 25, 2026 : Vice President CP Radhakrishnan has paid tribute to all the brave souls who stood firm in defence of democratic values during the Emergency declared in 1975. He said their courage safeguarded the spirit of the Constitution during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history.

In a social media post, Mr Radhakrishnan said the Emergency stands as a solemn reminder of a time when constitutional values were severely tested. He said civil liberties were suspended, freedom of expression was curtailed, and institutions central to the democratic framework were undermined. The Vice President said that with the Constitution as the guiding light, the country must reaffirm its unwavering commitment to its ideals and continue to build an India rooted in justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to all those who stood firm in defence of democratic values during the Emergency, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. In a social media post, Mr Modi said the Emergency was a direct assault on the Constitution. He said it witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, and the arrest of political leaders, journalists, and social workers. The Prime Minister added that institutions which form the bedrock of the country’s democracy also came under assault during the period.

The Prime Minister said the Emergency also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. Mr Modi said the Constitution embodies the aspirations, rights and duties of 140 crore Indians. He stressed that India remains committed to safeguarding the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Home Minister Amit Shah today paid homage to all those warriors of democracy who fought against the Emergency to protect democratic values. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that 25 June 1975 is a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, when the arrogance and greed for power of Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party attempted to crush the soul of the Constitution, the freedom of the press, and the right to expression.

The Home Minister stated that the purpose of the Modi government observing 25th June as ‘samvidhaan hatya diwas’ is to keep this dark chapter alive in the nation’s memory and to ensure that the Congress Party can never again inflict such an assault on democracy and the Constitution in the future.