Chhattisgarh News: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Calls for Public Participation to Safeguard Democracy on Emergency Anniversary

At the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised the importance of understanding this dark chapter in Indian democracy. He honoured Loktantra Senani families and urged youth to safeguard constitutional values.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday attended the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas program organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Emergency at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the state capital.

Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai said, "It is very important that our future generation should also know, understand and learn about the Emergency, which was declared in 1975 - remembered as a dark chapter in the history of the Indian Constitution and democracy." Recalling the period of Emergency, the Chief Minister got emotional and said that that period is deeply connected to my life. This is not just an incident for me, but a personal pain.

Chief Minister recalled the hardships endured by his uncle, the late Shri Narhari Prasad Sai, who spent 19 months in jail during the Emergency. He described the dire conditions faced by democracy fighters, noting that even their families were deprived of basic necessities. Reflecting on the era, he said autocratic forces had brutally silenced free expression and stripped citizens of their civil rights. "It was truly a dark chapter in the history of our democracy-one that my family has painfully endured, and whose impact I have personally witnessed," he stated.

During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai met the members of the Loktantra Senani families and honored them and presented them shawls, coconuts and symbols. Chief Minister said that the Chhattisgarh government is working to honor the families of Loktantra Senanis. These families are being given honorarium of Rs 10,000 to 25,000 per month - this is a humble effort to salute their struggle and sacrifice.

Addressing the students and youth present in the program, the Chief Minister said that protecting the Constitution is the collective responsibility of all of us. He urged the youth to know, read and understand the history of the Emergency and how the Constitution was crushed during that period. Public awareness and active participation are essential to keep democracy alive and strong.

In his address, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr Raman Singh said that the Emergency is a blot on the Constitution and democracy of India, which has been recorded in black letters in history. By imposing the Emergency, not only was the Constitution deactivated, but the soul of democracy was crushed by abolishing the fundamental rights. He remarked that during that time, the entire nation had been turned into an open prison, gripped by an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Over one lakh people were jailed without due judicial process, many subjected to inhumane treatment. It was not merely a phase of political suppression, but a calculated effort to dismantle the democratic spirit and awareness of the Indian people.

Dr Singh called upon the youth to research, read and understand the Emergency and how many people sacrificed their lives to protect democracy. To keep democracy safe in the future, we will always have to be aware and vigilant.

Kushabhau Thackeray Journalism and Mass Communication University's Former Vice Chancellor Shri Baldev Bhai Sharma said that 25 June 1975 was the most shameful and dark day of Indian democracy. There is no other example in world history of the way the Constitution and democratic values were crushed on this day. Arbitrary amendments were made in the Constitution, which suppressed the self-consciousness and civil rights of the country.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai also participated in the public awareness rally organized on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

In this exhibition, the repressive policies during the Emergency, violation of human rights and violation of democracy were depicted through pictures and documents. Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh appreciated this initiative and said that this exhibition is a true tribute to those who fought to protect democracy.

On this occasion, Industry Minister Mr Lakhan Lal Dewangan, MLAs Mr Purandar Mishra, Guru Khuswant Saheb, Mr Motilal Sahu, CSIDC Chairman Mr Rajiv Agarwal, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Mr Neelu Sharma, National Vice President of Loktantra Senani Sangh Mr Sachchidanand Upasne, State President Mr Diwakar Tiwari, Chhattisgarh Sahitya Academy Chairman Mr Shashank Sharma and Director Culture Mr Vivek Acharya along with a large number of scholars, democracy fighters and students were present.