Harsh Reality of Emergency: Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams ‘Fake Protectors of Constitution’

On the solemn Emergency anniversary, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a sharp and politically charged remark, accusing those who once “strangled the Constitution” of now pretending to be its protectors. His statement is a direct attack on the Congress party, especially in the context of the 49th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

This comment has stirred political waters and reopened long-standing debates on the relevance and consequences of the Emergency in modern Indian democracy.

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“A Dark Chapter in Democracy”: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Calling the Emergency a “dark chapter” in the history of India, Sarma reminded the nation of the suppression of civil liberties, muzzling of the press, mass arrests of opposition leaders, and unconstitutional censorship that were hallmarks of that period. He emphasized that those responsible for these draconian actions are now wearing the mask of constitutional guardians.

“Those who strangled the Constitution are now posing as its protectors,” Sarma said while addressing a public gathering in Guwahati.

His statement comes at a time when political narratives around democracy and civil liberties are again dominating headlines across the nation, particularly with the opposition questioning the current government on various constitutional and legal matters.

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Emergency Anniversary: BJP’s Reminder to the Nation

The Emergency anniversary is marked every year on June 25, recalling the 21-month period starting in 1975 when the then-Congress government suspended democratic processes. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders including Himanta Biswa Sarma, consistently uses this day to remind people of what they call “the greatest betrayal of Indian democracy.”

In line with this, Sarma’s remarks serve both as a political warning and a historical reminder.

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Congress Reacts to Sarma’s Statement

The Congress party, as expected, reacted strongly to the Assam CM’s statement. Senior Congress leaders accused Sarma of distorting history and using divisive rhetoric for political gains. Some Congress spokespersons pointed out that the BJP’s increasing attacks on the Constitution through centralization of power and misuse of investigative agencies should also be scrutinized.

However, Sarma and other BJP leaders maintain that remembering the Emergency anniversary is crucial to protect future generations from similar authoritarian misadventures.

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The Constitution and Its Legacy: Then and Now

Sarma’s statement touches on a critical point of political irony—how those once involved in suppressing constitutional values now brand themselves as protectors of democratic institutions. This has added a new layer of political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress.

The Constitution, according to Sarma, is not merely a document to be revered in speeches but to be respected through actions. His claim suggests that Congress’ past actions during the Emergency contradict their current stance on constitutional matters.

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Emergency Anniversary in Contemporary Politics

In recent years, the Emergency anniversary has become a major political flashpoint. While the Congress urges the nation to move forward, the BJP views it as an annual opportunity to reinforce the dangers of unchecked political power.

Sarma’s comment reflects the BJP’s broader strategy of historical accountability. It ties past actions to present legitimacy, reminding voters that political parties must be judged not only by what they promise but by what they have done.

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Why Sarma’s Words Matter

Himanta Biswa Sarma is not just the Chief Minister of Assam; he is also one of the most vocal and articulate leaders in the BJP today. His comments carry significant weight, especially in the northeastern region, where the BJP has gained considerable ground over the last decade.

By raising the Emergency anniversary issue, he is aligning with the BJP’s national strategy to keep Congress on the defensive and remind voters of the party’s past excesses.

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Public Memory and Political Messaging

The real question this Emergency anniversary raises is: How long does a nation remember? According to Sarma, not long enough. His remarks were aimed at keeping the memory of the Emergency alive in public discourse, particularly among the youth who did not witness those times.

As India heads into another political cycle, reminders of past authoritarianism are being used to build contemporary narratives of constitutional fidelity.

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Final Thoughts

The Emergency anniversary is not just a historical commemoration but a deeply political event. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s blunt statement is a stark reminder that India’s democratic journey has had its turbulent phases, and political memory is often contested terrain.

Whether his comments will have a lasting impact on public sentiment remains to be seen, but they have certainly reignited debates around constitutional values, political accountability, and historical responsibility.