Jahanvi Agarwal
In light of the Opposition’s “Save the Constitution” campaign impacting the BJP’s performance in various constituencies during the Lok Sabha elections, the Union government is gearing up for an extensive campaign to commemorate 75 years of the Indian Constitution. This initiative will begin on June 25, 2025, the anniversary of the Emergency declaration in 1975, which will now be observed as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Constituent Assembly adopting the Indian Constitution. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the Constitution’s values, the debates within the Assembly, and the government’s efforts to uphold and strengthen it. The Ministry of Culture, which previously led the “Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” campaign celebrating 75 years of Independence, will spearhead this new initiative.
The campaign’s specifics are still being finalized, but it is expected to include nationwide events, such as exhibitions, aimed particularly at engaging the youth. Key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are anticipated to participate actively. The campaign will also feature videos of PM Modi’s speeches celebrating India’s constitutional legacy. In a throwback to his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi’s “Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra” from November 26, 2010, might be reenacted. During this procession, the Constitution was paraded on an elephant, with Modi leading the march alongside state ministers and other dignitaries.
Although the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, the “75 years of Constitution” campaign is likely to commence on August 15 or later in the year and conclude on January 26 of the following year, aligning with Republic Day when the Constitution came into effect in 1950.
This government initiative is perceived as a strategic response to the Opposition’s claim during the Lok Sabha election campaign that a BJP-led NDA government with over 400 seats would alter the Constitution and abolish reservations. In the reserved constituencies, the BJP’s tally decreased from 77 seats in 2019 to 55.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” will honor those who endured immense hardships during the Emergency, describing their contributions as “massive.” This will be complemented by a positive campaign celebrating 75 years of the Constitution, aimed at educating the public about its significance and the individuals who drafted it.
Ahead of the 18th Lok Sabha’s first session on June 24, PM Modi described the Emergency as a “black spot” on the Constitution, stating, “We will try [to ensure] that such a stain never comes to the country.” The next day, the BJP conducted nationwide programs to mark the Emergency, with party leaders issuing statements criticizing the Congress.
This upcoming campaign aims to celebrate the Constitution’s legacy and seeks to address and counteract the narratives set forth by the Opposition.