Public Awareness and Active Participation Are Essential to Keep Democracy Alive and Strong– CM Sai

Raipur, 25 June

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the “Constitution Murder Day” event held at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the capital Raipur, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that it is extremely important for the younger generations to know, understand, and learn from that dark day when democracy was stifled. He became emotional while recalling the Emergency period, saying it was deeply connected to his personal life. “For me, it is not just an incident, but a personal pain,” he said.

The Chief Minister shared that his elder uncle, the late Shri Narhari Prasad Sai, was imprisoned for 19 months during the Emergency. At that time, the condition of the families of democracy activists was extremely dire—often, they didn’t even have food to cook. “I have personally seen many such families,” he added. He said that the authoritarian regime of that time crushed freedom of expression and stripped citizens of their rights. “It was truly a black day for democracy, and our family endured its sting—I lived through it.”

During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai also met with and honored family members of democracy fighters by presenting them with shawls, coconuts, and mementos.

He mentioned that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to honoring democracy fighters and their families, providing them with a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 as a humble tribute to their struggle and sacrifice.

Addressing students and youth present at the event, the Chief Minister stated that the protection of the Constitution is a collective responsibility. He urged young people to study and understand the history of the Emergency and how the Constitution was trampled during that time. “Public awareness and active participation are essential to keep democracy alive and strong,” he emphasized.

Speaker Dr. Raman Singh:
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh, in his address, said that the Emergency is a blot on India’s Constitution and democracy, recorded in history in black letters. By imposing the Emergency, not only was the Constitution rendered ineffective, but fundamental rights were also abolished, crushing the very soul of democracy.

He remarked that the country was turned into an open jail, filled with fear and oppression. Over 100,000 people were jailed without due judicial process and were subjected to torture. “It wasn’t just an era of political oppression—it was a systematic attempt to extinguish India’s democratic consciousness.”

Dr. Singh called upon the youth to research, read, and understand the Emergency period and the sacrifices made for the protection of democracy. “To keep democracy secure in the future, we must always remain aware and vigilant.”

Keynote Speaker Baldev Bhai Sharma:
The chief guest and former Vice Chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication, Shri Baldev Bhai Sharma, said that 25 June 1975 was the darkest and most disgraceful day in Indian democracy. “The way the Constitution and democratic values were crushed on that day has no parallel in world history.” Arbitrary amendments were made to the Constitution, suppressing national consciousness and civil rights.

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

Chief Minister and Speaker Review Special Emergency Exhibition

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Speaker Dr. Raman Singh also reviewed a special exhibition organized at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium based on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
This exhibition depicted, through photographs and documents, the repressive policies, human rights violations, and the assault on democracy during the Emergency period.

Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that the Emergency is a dark chapter in India’s democratic history and should never be forgotten. “Such exhibitions are helpful in educating the new generation about the importance of democracy and the Constitution.”

Speaker Dr. Raman Singh also praised the initiative, stating that the exhibition is a true tribute to those who fought to defend democracy.

On this occasion, dignitaries including Industries Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, MLAs Shri Purandar Mishra, Guru Khushwant Saheb, Shri Motilal Sahu, CSIDC Chairman Shri Rajeev Agrawal, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Shri Neelu Sharma, National Vice President of Democracy Fighters Association Shri Sachchidanand Upasane, State President Shri Diwakar Tiwari, Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Chairman Shri Shashank Sharma, and Director of Culture Shri Vivek Acharya, along with many intellectuals, democracy fighters, and students, were present.