New Delhi, June 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to observe a Black Day on June 25 of every year to mark the anniversary of 1975 Emergency announced by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The incident is regarded as one of the most undemocratic movements in Indian history. According to news reports, the decision was taken during the core committee meeting of BJP earlier. Furthermore, during the meeting, the list of programmes for the day has also been prepared, according to party sources.

The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had declared a nationwide emergency between 1975 to 1975. During the 21-month period, elections were suspended, media was gagged and civil liberties were curbed. The then president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed officially issued the emergency under Article 352 of the constitution due to prevailing 'internal disturbance'. The Emergency was in effect from 25 June 1975 until its withdrawal on 21 March 1977.

During the emergency opposition party leaders like Jaiprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani were put behind the bars.

Indications about BJP's move to observe the Black Day was hinted at by PM Narendra Modi on his radio show Mann ki Baat aired on Sunday. He said it was essential to remember the incidents which have caused harm to democracy. He also criticised the then Congress government and said that the Emergency was the darkest time in the history of India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2018 06:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).