Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 26
As India marks 50 years since the imposition of Emergency in 1975, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday described the 21-month period as a “dark chapter” in Indian history, accusing the Congress party of using the Emergency to stifle democracy and the Constitution. Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, the minister said the Central government is observing June 25 as “Constitution Killing Day” to ensure that the events of that era are neither forgotten nor repeated. Rijiju alleged that the Emergency was imposed not for the country, but to protect the interests of a single political family.
“The Emergency was forced upon the nation, the voice of the media was silenced, and constitutional values were trampled,” Rijiju said. “This is not just a political matter; it is a national concern. Citizens must rise above partisanship to remember and reflect on what happened.”
He also took aim at present-day Congress leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy. “Some of them now hold the Constitution in their hands and talk about the judiciary. But it was they who once crushed Ambedkar’s Constitution by imposing the Emergency,” he said.
The minister is currently on a three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, during which he plans to tour tribal regions and announce development initiatives. Rijiju said that youth in Lahaul-Spiti would soon benefit from new sports infrastructure, with similar efforts planned for Chamba, Sirmaur, and Una districts.
He also criticised Congress-led governments for neglecting border infrastructure. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has prioritised roads and development in border areas,” Rijiju said. “The Centre is fully supporting Himachal Pradesh, and I have urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu to be more proactive. Political compulsions should not hinder cooperation,” he added.
Responding to questions from journalists, Rijiju referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s remark that the Congress should have been disbanded after Independence. “That’s why Prime Minister Modi speaks of a Congress-free India,” he added.
On the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, Rijiju clarified that the reforms are not anti-Muslim. “The Waqf Board previously had unchecked powers, which were unconstitutional. The Modi government’s reforms aim to bring transparency and will ultimately benefit the Muslim community,” he said.
