Jaipur, June 26 -- Chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday accused the Congress of imposing the Emergency for "selfish reasons" and "murdering the Constitution," alleging that it had historically weakened democratic institutions for political gain. Addressing a state-level function on Constitution Assassination Day, Sharma also announced a Rs.5,000 hike in the monthly pension of democracy fighters, taking it to Rs.25,000, besides increasing monthly medical assistance by Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000 and restoring the Democracy Fighters' Honor Fund. Speaking at the Democracy Fighters' Honor Ceremony held at the State Agricultural Management Institute Auditorium in Durgapura, the CM said, "The Emergency crushed the Constitution and the spirit of democracy, curbed fundamental rights and turned the country into a prison." He added that it was important to remember the events of that period and the sacrifices made by democracy fighters who stood up to protect democratic values. Sharma said the state government was committed to the welfare and dignity of democracy fighters and that the enhanced pension and medical assistance were aimed at recognizing their contribution to safeguarding the Constitution and democracy. The CM alleged that more than one lakh political leaders, volunteers, social workers and journalists were jailed without trial during the Emergency. Accusing the Congress of acting against democratic principles, Sharma said the party had repeatedly worked to weaken institutions and dissolve elected governments for political interests. He urged the younger generation to learn about the Emergency and the sacrifices of democracy fighters, saying their struggle played a crucial role in protecting constitutional values. Rajya Sabha MP and BJP state president Madan Rathod described the Emergency as the biggest attack on Indian democracy and said democratic order was restored only because of the struggle and sacrifices of democracy fighters. During his address, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore recalled an encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Emergency. "During the Emergency, Narendra Modi visited the Jalore and Sirohi regions and met activists while disguised as a Sikh to evade arrest," BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore said. "I also met him at the time, but I did not know who he was. Years later, after he became Prime Minister and photographs of his disguises during the Emergency surfaced, I realized it was Narendra Modi. When I later told him about the incident, he recalled the meeting and confirmed that he had indeed met me during that period," Rathore added. Rajya Sabha MP and democracy fighter Ghanshyam Tiwari recalled his arrest during the Emergency and said activists continued to work underground to defend democracy despite adverse circumstances. Former BJP state president Ashok Parnami termed the Emergency a black chapter in India's democratic history and said those who fought to defend democracy were imprisoned and subjected to harassment....