Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today announced that a nodal officer would be appointed at the government level to address the concerns of Loktantra Senanis (fighters for democracy) and announced that a dedicated Act for their welfare will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha. He also instructed officials to simplify the process for disbursing the ‘Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi’ and to ensure timely issue of certificates to eligible individuals.
Speaking at a ceremony held at his official residence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, observed as ‘Constitution Assassination Day 2025’, the CM honoured Loktantra Senanis and their families. He reiterated his government’s commitment to increasing their monthly honorarium and continuing annual felicitation events to raise awareness about their contribution to the nation.
The CM also paid tribute to those who resisted the Emergency, describing them as torchbearers who kept the spirit of democracy alive even while imprisoned. He recalled the imposition of Emergency on 25 June 1975 as a dark chapter in Indian history, triggered by the then Prime Minister’s reaction to the Allahabad High Court verdict that invalidated her election. He said the Emergency saw the suspension of civil liberties, muzzling of the press, and mass arrests under draconian laws like MISA and DIR.
Dhami also highlighted the role of leaders such as Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who inspired a youth-led movement against authoritarianism. He reminded that the student protests that began in cities like Delhi, Banaras, Patna, and Bengaluru later evolved into a nationwide democratic uprising. Organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also played a pivotal role in the resistance.
The CM emphasised the importance of educating future generations about the Emergency and its impact on the Constitution. He noted that the 1977 general elections marked a turning point, with the people electing a non-Congress government for the first time. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who remained underground during the Emergency, for initiating the observance of 25 June as a day of remembrance for Loktantra Senanis.
Dhami stated that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, governance is being pursued as a form of public service, and Uttarakhand is emerging as a model state with pioneering initiatives such as the strictest anti-copying law and top ranking in the SDG index.
Former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari also addressed the gathering, commending the resilience of Loktantra Senanis and urging the youth to remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic values. Those present at the event included Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Loktantra Senanis Krishna Kumar Agrawal and Prem Badakoti, and numerous family members of those who endured imprisonment during the Emergency.
