Longowal (Punjab): Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on August 20 said Congress President Sonia Gandhi's levelling of a series of charges during the debate on the no-confidence motion against Vajpayee government in Lok Sabha showed she was not familiar with the country's history.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 18th death anniversary of Akali leader Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, Advani said had Gandhi read the history of the country, she would not have made the accusations, including that democratic institutions were being undermined.

He said India is today respected because of its vibrant democracy and the talent of professionals.

The Deputy Prime Minister lashed out at the Congress accusing it of nearly finishing democracy in the country and recalled the days of emergency when those who dared to oppose it were put behind bars.

In an apparent reference to filing of vigilance cases against NDA (National Democratic Alliance) ally Shiromani Akali Dal leaders and former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Advani cautioned Chief Minister Amarinder Singh against "politics of revenge" towards his opponents,

"This is not democracy and people of Punjab would never accept it," he said.

PTI