Emergency flashpoint: BJP, Cong trade blows

AS THE COUNTRY commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted it was one of the "darkest chapters" in India's democratic history and slammed the then Congress government, saying it placed "democracy under arrest."

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Top leaders of the BJP and key ally JD(U) led the charge against the Congress with Modi saying no Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of the Constitution was violated during the Emergency. The prime minister also affirmed his government's commitment to strengthening constitutional principles.

The Union Cabinet at its meeting presided by Prime Minister Modi adopted a resolution against the Emergency and resolved to commemorate and honour the sacrifices of countless individuals who valiantly resisted the measure and its attempt at subversion of the spirit of the Indian Constitution. It also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of tribute to them.