Dehradun, June 25
On Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while honouring democracy fighters and their families at a program organized on Constitution Murder Day at a hotel on GMS Road, said that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, was a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy. He stated that the then government, in order to save its power, suppressed civil liberties, curtailed press freedom, and undermined the spirit of the Constitution.
The Chief Minister said that it was due to the sacrifice, courage, and struggle of democracy fighters that democratic governance could be restored in the country. Saluting all democracy fighters, he added that their contribution remains a source of inspiration for present and future generations, and their struggle to safeguard democracy will always be remembered.
CM emphasized that the Constitution of India grants every citizen freedom of expression and democratic rights. During the Emergency, these fundamental rights were crushed, but the vigilant citizens of the country responded through democratic means, leading to the restoration of democracy.
The Chief Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has achieved new heights of development with service, good governance, and welfare of the poor at its core. He highlighted that based on the mantra of Antyodaya, Nation First, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas, the benefits of development are reaching the last person in society.
Dhami noted that the state government is continuously working for the honor and welfare of democracy fighters. In 2023, their honorarium was increased from ₹16,000 to ₹20,000 per month. Additionally, special identity cards have been issued to democracy fighters who were jailed during the Emergency and to their dependent spouses.
The Chief Minister stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all to pass on the contributions of democracy fighters to the younger generation. He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of protecting democracy, respecting the Constitution, and keeping the nation first, thereby contributing to building a developed India and a prosperous Uttarakhand.
On this occasion, democracy fighters were honored, and gratitude was expressed by recalling their struggle and contributions.