Congress Slams Modi Govt's 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas', Calls for 'Modi Mukti Diwas'

The Congress party criticised the government's decision to mark June 25, the day the Emergency was declared in 1975, as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy and said the BJP insulted Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar by associating the word "murder" with the Constitution.

Kharge alleged that the BJP-RSS aims to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti to undermine the rights of Dalits, tribals, and backward classes. He stated, "Narendra Modi ji, in the last 10 years, your government has marked Samvidhan Hatya Diwas every day. You have snatched self-respect from every poor and deprived section of the country every moment."

Opposition's Criticism

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also condemned the move, calling it a "headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy." He said on X, "This is a non-biological PM who has subjected the Constitution of India and its principles, values, and institutions to systematic assault." Ramesh further criticised Modi's ideological background, stating that his parivar had rejected the Constitution in November 1949 because it did not derive inspiration from Manusmriti.

Kharge highlighted several instances where he believes the Constitution was undermined. He mentioned crimes against Dalits, illegal demolitions affecting minorities, and violence in Manipur. He questioned, "When Manipur is in the grip of violence for the last 13 months and you do not even want to go there, then what else is it if not the murder of the Constitution?"

Historical Context and Reactions

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 would be observed as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas to honour those who endured hardships during the Emergency. The Congress party responded by proposing that November 8 be observed as Aajivika Hatya Diwas to mark demonetisation's announcement in 2016.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also criticised the declaration of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. He said on X, "First, the Samvidhan is alive and well and strongly supported by the electorate. No hatya has occurred. Second, what happened on that date was entirely in accordance with the provisions of the Samvidhan. It was undemocratic but not unconstitutional."

Parliamentary Dynamics

The Lok Sabha election results were declared on June 4. The BJP secured 240 seats but fell short of a majority. However, with allies in NDA securing 293 seats, they managed to form a government. The Congress won 99 seats while the INDIA bloc secured 234 seats. Two Independents pledged support to Congress, raising their tally to 236.

Kharge pointed out various instances where he believes constitutional principles were violated. He cited examples like police actions against Dalits in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. "When a BJP leader urinates on tribals in Madhya Pradesh or when police forcibly cremate a Dalit girl in Hathras, what else is that if not the murder of the Constitution?" he asked.

Media and Judicial Concerns

Kharge also criticised media sycophancy and government interference in judicial matters. He mentioned an incident where five Supreme Court judges held a press conference questioning government interference. "When five sitting judges of the Supreme Court publicly held a press conference and questioned the government's interference in courts, then what else was that if not the murder of the Constitution?" he asked.

The Congress chief also raised concerns about parliamentary procedures. He noted that opposition MPs were suspended en masse and important laws were passed unilaterally. "When Parliament is made into a ground for ruling party dominance and important laws are passed unilaterally like a dictator, then what else is that if not the murder of the Constitution?" he said.

Electoral Bonds Scheme

Kharge criticised the Electoral Bonds Scheme passed in Parliament, alleging it made BJP rich illegally. He also mentioned dictatorship imposed on students, journalists, and civil society institutions. "When dictatorship is imposed on everyone from students in universities to independent journalists... then what else is that if not the murder of the Constitution?" he said.

The Union Home Ministry issued a gazette notification declaring June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas to pay tribute to those who suffered during Emergency. The Congress party's reaction underscores ongoing political tensions and differing interpretations of historical events.