New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lamented that the Constitution was “throttled” and the nation chained by the Emergency when national song Vande Mataram completed 100 years.

Initiating a day-long discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha , Modi noted that Vande Mataram stood like a rock and inspired unity despite British oppression.

“When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency . At that time, the Constitution was throttled and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind bars,” he said.

“The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of Vande Mataram. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass,” Modi said.

The prime minister

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