Kolkata, West Bengal – In a sharp political attack, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hit out at the central government, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the Constitution while hypocritically observing “Constitution Murder Day” on June 25 to mark the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Banerjee questioned the moral authority of the BJP to commemorate such a day, alleging that the party violates constitutional values on a daily basis.
“Those Who Break the Constitution Daily Are Mourning It”
Banerjee, known for her blunt political style, didn’t mince words as she accused the BJP of destroying democratic structures across the country.
“Those who are daily breaking the Constitution are now pretending to mourn its death. This is pure hypocrisy,” the Chief Minister said in a fiery statement.
She pointed out that the BJP’s actions, particularly in toppling elected governments in states like Maharashtra and Bihar, are clear violations of democratic ethics and constitutional values.
Emergency Day Observance Turns Political Flashpoint
The central government and the BJP have announced plans to observe June 25 as a national reminder of the dark days of the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. However, Mamata Banerjee criticized the move, claiming that it is being used as a political tool to divert public attention from ongoing constitutional violations under the current regime.
“Is removing elected governments through backdoor deals not an attack on the Constitution?” she asked, pointing directly at the recent political upheavals in Maharashtra and Bihar, where opposition parties have accused the BJP of using central agencies and political pressure to destabilize ruling coalitions.
Democracy Under Threat, Says Banerjee
Echoing concerns shared by other opposition leaders, Banerjee warned that democracy in India is facing serious threats, not through open declarations like the 1975 Emergency, but through systematic weakening of institutions and frequent misuse of constitutional powers.
She said:
“What we’re witnessing is a silent emergency — one without announcements, but with more dangerous implications.”
BJP Hits Back, Says Mamata is ‘Protecting the Past’
In response, BJP leaders dismissed Mamata Banerjee’s comments as a deflection tactic and claimed she was trying to shield the Congress legacy of the Emergency. BJP spokespersons said that remembering June 25 as Constitution Murder Day is a way to ensure that India never forgets the misuse of constitutional power.
But critics argue that the BJP itself has repeatedly weaponized central agencies, weakened federalism, and attacked democratic dissent, making their claims of constitutional respect hollow.
Political Heat Rises Ahead of 2026 Elections
This political exchange is part of a larger national narrative as India heads into a critical election cycle in 2026. With opposition parties trying to build alliances and counter the BJP’s dominance, statements like Banerjee’s are aimed at consolidating anti-BJP sentiment, especially among voters worried about the erosion of democratic values.
Analysts suggest that Mamata’s remarks are not just rhetorical but part of a strategic messaging campaign to position herself and her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), as defenders of constitutional democracy.
Federalism and State Autonomy in Question
Banerjee also raised concerns about increasing central interference in state affairs, including the use of governors, agencies like the ED and CBI, and funding restrictions to control non-BJP states.
“What is happening is not governance. It’s domination,” she stated, adding that the spirit of cooperative federalism is being replaced with coercive centralism.
Conclusion: Constitution Becomes Political Battlefield
As June 25 approaches, it’s clear that both the BJP and opposition parties are preparing to frame the Emergency anniversary in ways that serve their political narratives. While the BJP blames the Congress for the original “Constitutional death,” leaders like Mamata Banerjee are flipping the script — arguing that the real threat today is happening under the current regime.
With India’s democracy under the microscope globally, these debates are more than symbolic—they reflect the deep ideological and institutional tensions shaping the country’s future.
