Constitution is the only religious book followed by govt: Modi

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 27 

Attempting to scuttle the growing talk of a religious divide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said “the Constitution was the only religious book” followed by the ruling BJP-led NDA. Modi went on to dispel allegations of the opposition parties that the ruling BJP-led NDA government was being ‘pro-corporate’ and ‘anti-poor’.

Modi made an emotive speech in Lok Sabha while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address to the both Houses on February 23, saying his government stands for the poor, the farmers and the adivasis. He gave examples of his work for these three segments of the society.

On growing communal divide, “I am being asked about my stand,” Modi said. “Anybody who loves the country knows that that this is a nation of diversity and unity in diversity is our recognition.” Clearly addressing an international audience, especially United States President Barack Obama, who has questioned growing religious intolerance in India, Modi said, “We are for growth of religions and such growth for all is possible only in India.”

Clearly aiming to silence fringe elements of the right wing groups, Modi said, “The nation cannot run outside the Constitution. There can be no discrimination on basis of religion. It’s my duty to ensure that.”

“I am committed that my government has only one religion ‘India first’.  Indian Constitution is the only religious text we follow,” Modi said even as section of the Opposition chided him on his silence on right wing elements. “Saab ka saath saab ka Vikas”, said Modi repeating his election slogan. “We want that growth has to be within the Constitution,” Modi said.

Truth is one but said in different ways, the PM said while citing the sayings of Guru Nanak and told the opposition your ‘saath’ is also needed for this ‘vikas’.

Reaching out to all the parties, like the Congress, the SP, the RJD, JD(U) the  Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Patry, who are opposing the new land acquisition act,  Modi said, “The Act passed in 2013 ( during time of the Congress-led UPA) has inadequacies. We were with you when the law was passed. But when our government came to power in May 2014, Chief Ministers of all states said the new law was bad. The farmers need irrigation, roads and houses.

“We need to correct the wrong. We need to add of something has been left out don’t weigh in with political opportunism and if you point to anything anti-farmer I am ready made correction even now,” said Modi.

“Let us not make it a matter of prestige. Once the law is passed I will give credit to the people who had drafted the law in 2013.  Even we can be wrong. Point out. Take political benefit, but take decision for the nation,” Modi told the Lok Sabha amid thundering applause from the Treasury benches.