Government, opposition in war of words over NDTV ban

Chennai: The war of words over the one-day ban on NDTV India by the Centre escalated on Saturday with I&B minister Venkaiah Naidu saying it was in the interest of 'country's security' and the opposition asserting the action will lead to "second Emergency".

"Politicisation of such issues will affect the safety and security of India," Naidu said.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and fellow JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, DMK chief M Karunan­idhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav hit out at the Centre, calling the ban an "insult to freedom of expression" and demanded its withdrawal.

The CPI(M) politburo said it showed the 'authoritarian' attitude of Modi government.