Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has sparked controversy by defending the Emergency imposed in 1975, stating that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had supported it. Raut’s remarks come amidst the Centre’s decision to observe June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, marking the day when the Emergency was declared.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led government’s decision to term June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, accusing them of attempting to mislead the public due to their lack of parliamentary majority.
“Emergency was imposed because some people wanted to spread anarchy in the country. They were making bombs and openly challenging the authority of the government,” Raut stated, defending the historical context of the Emergency.
He further added, “Balasaheb Thackeray and RSS had openly supported the Emergency at that time. It was seen as a matter of national security in response to internal threats and challenges.”
Responding to Raut’s statements, BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed them as meaningless and reminded him of the significance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’. Alok emphasized the importance of remembering how the constitutional rights of Indians were curtailed on that day in 1975.
The controversy surrounding the observance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ intensified with a gazette notification issued by the Union home ministry, which highlighted the gross abuse of power during the Emergency period. The notification aims to commemorate those who resisted and suffered during that time, while reaffirming India’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and democracy.
The political debate over the Emergency continues to evoke strong reactions, with parties like the Congress criticizing the Modi government’s decision as a hypocritical move.
The commemoration of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ has become a focal point in India’s political discourse, reflecting differing perspectives on a significant chapter in the nation’s history.
