Samvidhan Hatya Divas: How RSS ran a movement that world witnessed with awe

On June 25, India witnessed large-scale protests under the banner of “Samvidhan Hatya Divas” (Constitution Killing Day), organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate organizations. This date marks the anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. However, in 2025, the symbolism took on a new political resonance, as thousands rallied in what the RSS termed a “peaceful democratic awakening.”

What began as a commemorative event evolved into a broad-based civil movement protesting against what the RSS alleges is the erosion of constitutional values by successive regimes. Political analysts are calling it one of the largest non-state-organized mass mobilizations in recent years, with participation across 500+ cities and international solidarity movements from Indian diaspora groups.

Historical Context: Why June 25 Still Matters

June 25, 1975, remains one of the darkest days in India’s democratic journey. Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule suspended civil liberties, muzzled the press, and imprisoned opposition leaders. For the RSS, the Emergency era holds a place of both trauma and triumph—the organization faced mass arrests, yet emerged with renewed strength post-Emergency.

Fast forward to 2025, and the RSS used this symbolic day to question what it sees as “silent and systematic assaults” on constitutional freedoms through bureaucracy, lawfare, and electoral manipulation. “This is not just about the past. It’s a warning about our future,” said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, addressing a massive rally in Nagpur.

Movement Logistics: A Show of Organizational Strength

The protest was no ordinary demonstration. In over 500 districts, Swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) held marches, candlelight vigils, and reading sessions of the Indian Constitution. The Sangh Parivar’s social media teams ran coordinated campaigns with hashtags like #SamvidhanHatyaDivas and #SaveIndianDemocracy, which trended for over 48 hours.

Analysts were particularly struck by the global outreach. Events were organized in New York, London, and Sydney, where expat groups staged solidarity marches. "Rarely has an India-specific civil protest resonated with such coherence internationally without political party support," said Radhika Menon, a political scientist at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Political Reactions: A Divisive Impact

While BJP leaders lauded the movement as a reminder of India’s democratic ethos, opposition parties accused the RSS of political posturing. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh called it “a cynical hijacking of history to serve today's politics.”

In contrast, former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Ranjan Gogoi stated, “Democracy needs constant reminders. If a civil group like RSS is invoking the Constitution, it speaks volumes about the fragility of our current institutions.”

Despite criticism, the RSS stuck to its script: zero political endorsements, no party flags, and a single focus—“protecting the Constitution.” That, according to observers, gave the protest an air of credibility.

Investor and Market Reaction: Stability Amid Civil Dissent

Unlike previous mass agitations in India, the markets remained largely unaffected. The Nifty and Sensex ended the day flat, with only minor intraday volatility. Analysts believe that the movement, being civil and non-violent, reassured investors that systemic stability remains intact.

“Movements led by socio-cultural outfits with a disciplined ethos—like the RSS—don’t generally rattle financial markets unless they lead to political upheaval,” said Rohit Gera, a macro strategist at Kotak Institutional Equities.

However, long-term observers note that any increase in civil society activism—especially by groups with mass reach—could influence policymaking. “Governments may begin recalibrating controversial policy proposals if social trust indicators dip,” Gera added.

Global Perception: A Case Study in Soft Mobilization

International think tanks and civil society watchdogs took note of the movement. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace termed the event “a soft power model of civic dissent” and highlighted how non-political actors can lead democratic calls without resorting to extremism.

Videos of RSS volunteers reading the Preamble of the Constitution in unison, projected onto urban landmarks in cities like Pune and Bengaluru, were widely shared. “It was discipline without aggression,” said Laura Stein, a South Asia researcher at Amnesty International.

The Road Ahead: Will the Movement Gain Momentum?

Whether Samvidhan Hatya Divas remains an annual reminder or morphs into a sustained civic movement remains to be seen. But the 2025 edition has undeniably put civil society activism—minus political overtones—back in the spotlight.

“Democracy is not just about elections. It’s about continuous accountability. The RSS seems to be making that point very powerfully,” said Prof. Anand Teltumbde, a noted political thinker.

The movement may also shape voter sentiment ahead of key state elections in Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. If the message resonates with the youth—a key target audience—it could redefine the terms of political engagement in India.

A Movement Rooted in Symbolism, Powered by Discipline

Samvidhan Hatya Divas in 2025 wasn’t just a protest—it was a masterclass in mobilization. With roots in India’s democratic struggles and eyes on its future, the RSS-led civil action combined symbolism with strategy.

As global democracies battle polarization, India's civil sphere seems to be discovering a middle path—where silent marches speak louder than slogans, and disciplined dissent inspires more than disorganized outrage.