CM Mohan Majhi Urges Citizens to Stay Vigilant About Constitutional Rights on Emergency Anniversary

Bhubaneswar, June 25 : Marking the 50th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in India, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday urged citizens to remain ever vigilant about their democratic and Constitutional rights, while remembering the “dark days” that threatened the foundation of India’s democracy.

Speaking at the “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” event held in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the Emergency period—imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975—serves as a stark reminder of how easily fundamental freedoms can be curtailed under the guise of governance.

“The Emergency was a time when basic rights were suspended, the press was censored, dissenters were jailed without trial, and democracy was systematically silenced. We must never forget those 21 months when the Constitution was nearly destroyed,” said the Chief Minister.

The Emergency, which lasted until March 21, 1977, witnessed widespread censorship of the media, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of opposition voices in academia, politics, and civil society. It remains one of the most controversial and debated periods in post-independence Indian history.

Majhi emphasized that protecting the Constitution is not solely the duty of elected leaders or the judiciary, but also a collective responsibility of the people. “Every Indian must stay alert, aware, and assertive about their rights and liberties. It is only through public awareness and civic participation that we can preserve the spirit of our Constitution,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid a series of commemorative events and discussions across the country reflecting on the Emergency’s impact on Indian democracy and the importance of safeguarding constitutional governance.

The event concluded with a call to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made during that period and the vital importance of civil liberties and democratic accountability in maintaining a free and just society.