Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored democracy activists and their families at a program organized on the occasion of Constitution Murder Day and said that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, was a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy.
Speaking at an event held at a hotel on GMS Road, he stated that the government of the time curtailed civil liberties, restricted press freedom, and undermined the spirit of the Constitution in an effort to retain power. He said that democracy was restored because of the courage, sacrifice, and struggle of democracy defenders, whose contributions continue to inspire present and future generations.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and democratic rights to every citizen, but these rights were suppressed during the Emergency. He noted that the people of India ultimately restored democracy through democratic means.
CM Dhami also highlighted the development initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that the state government remains committed to the welfare of democracy activists. He mentioned that in 2023, the monthly honorarium for democracy activists was increased from ₹16,000 to ₹20,000, and special identity cards were issued to those imprisoned during the Emergency and their dependent spouses.
The event was attended by Naresh Bansal, Ganesh Joshi, Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, Umesh Sharma Kau, and other public representatives.
