BJP lines up bigwigs for 'Constitution Murder Day' on June 25

The ruling BJP has lined up its bigwigs for ‘Constitution Murder Day’ on June 25, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by the then Congress Government led by Indira Gandhi. In a strategic move to counter its traditional rival, the BJP has planned a massive statewide outreach programme aimed at exposing the “real face” of Congress, highlighting the atrocities committed against political opponents and the common man.

On this day, 27 prominent leaders, including the Chief Minister, Union Ministers, State Ministers and MPs, will address diverse audiences across the state.

BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli stated, “The Emergency is a black chapter in Indian democratic history when the civil rights of not only Congress’ political rivals but also of the common man were suppressed by the Indira Gandhi Government. The BJP will expose the real face of Congress, which claims to be the saviour of the Constitution while reaffirming our commitment to democratic and constitutional values.”

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will address a gathering in Karnal, while Badoli will attend a programme in Panchkula. Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Rao Inderjit Singh will participate in events in Fatehabad and Gurugram, respectively. Former state minister Ram Bilas Sharma, one of the few surviving politicians who was jailed during the Emergency, will speak at a function in Rewari.

 Nightmare, but never lost faith in God: Sharma

Senior BJP leader Ram Bilas Sharma, who was jailed for nearly 17 months during the Emergency, said it was a nightmarish experience. However, he claimed that he never lost faith in God, which kept him in high spirits during those difficult days.

Sharma recalled that he was picked up by the police from Rohtak on November 11, 1975, and kept in Jhajjar jail. He faced severe physical and mental torture during his one-day police remand on December 4, 1975, and his subsequent transfer to Ambala Jail. “Burning cigarette butts on my private parts and daily beatings took a toll on my health, necessitating a two-month treatment at PGI, Rohtak,” Sharma told The Tribune.

After his discharge, Sharma was again shifted to Ambala Jail where he spent several months. On January 22, 1977, he was shifted to Gaya Jail in Bihar till his release on March 22, 1977. Sharma, who stands at 6’4’’, was lodged in a dingy cell measuring about 5 feet, half of which was above ground. “The cell was just enough for me to sit and laying on the back was a luxury. Sacred Gita became by constant companion during those trying times,” an emotional Sharma added.