West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announces Rs 10,000 monthly pension for 325 people jailed during Emergency
Times of India | 9 August 2026
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday announced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for 325 people who were jailed for participating in protests during the Emergency.
Addressing a programme at the state secretariat, Adhikari said those imprisoned during the Emergency had faced hardships while defending democracy, according to news agency PTI.
"The brave soldiers had to endure a lot of suffering. The new state government stands on the ideals of these brave soldiers," he said.
According to Adhikari, the state government has identified 325 people who were imprisoned for participating in protests during the Emergency for the 'Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman'.
He said the new government was founded on the ideals of those who had made sacrifices for the country.
The BJP-led government at the Centre observes June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. Several BJP-ruled states have also honoured people jailed during the Emergency with awards and pensions.
According to news agency PTI, the BJP came to power in West Bengal for the first time in the assembly elections held earlier this year.
Earlier on Sunday, Adhikari marked the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement and paid tribute to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for Independence.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's "Do or Die" call, Adhikari said in a social media post that thousands of Indians had made the ultimate sacrifice with the vision of a free India.
"On this momentous day of August 9th, I offer my deepest gratitude and heartfelt tribute to all those courageous Freedom Fighters. Their unmatched valour and supreme sacrifices form the bedrock of the free India we cherish today," he said.