Will ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ Be Observed in Bengal on June 25?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee announces West Bengal will not observe ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’.
- Criticism of the Union government's approach to democracy.
- Calls for the recognition of the Emergency's impact on the populace.
- Highlights the importance of governmental accountability.
- Welcomes court orders for job schemes and the release of funds.
Kolkata, June 18 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that the state will not recognize “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas”, a day designated by the Central government, on June 25 this year.
In response to the Union government’s directive regarding the observance of June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’, the Chief Minister criticized the decision as a “mockery” of democracy and the Indian Constitution.
This annual observance is intended to commemorate those who opposed the injustices experienced during the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.
“Does the current Union government value democratic principles? Is genuine democracy present in our nation today? Thus, ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ will not be recognized in West Bengal,” asserted the Chief Minister.
Banerjee further expressed her discontent with the term ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’.
“We all understand the conditions faced by the populace during the Emergency. The public did not accept it. June 25 could have been designated as ‘Emergency Day’, but why the name ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’? Is democracy truly thriving in India today?” she questioned.
She accused the Union government and the ruling BJP of undermining democracy in the country.
“Democracy is being dismantled daily. They are promoting their agenda under the guise of religion and making anti-Bengal remarks. They constructed a new Parliament building. Therefore, ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ should be recognized every day,” she opined.
Additionally, she wondered why the Union government has not marked “Anti-terrorism Day”, given the numerous terrorist attacks in India over the past five years.
“Everyone is entitled to their individual political beliefs. However, that does not justify the dissemination of falsehoods about others,” stated Mamata Banerjee.
On a positive note, she welcomed a Calcutta High Court division bench's earlier order directing the Union government to implement the 100-day job scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) starting August 1 without fail.
“Simultaneously, the Union government must release the overdue funds for this scheme, which have been withheld for the past three years,” the Chief Minister added.