'India first' government's only religion, Constitution holy book: Narendra Modi

Modi ruled out any review of the Constitution, believes in working through consensus

New Delhi:

Facing attack over 'intolerance', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said 'India first' is the only religion of his government and Constitution is the only holy book while asserting his commitment to work for the welfare of people of all sections and religions.

He ruled out any review of the Constitution and reached out to the Opposition by saying that the ruling side does not believe in forcing decisions using its majority but believes in working through consensus.

Replying to a two-day long debate on the Constitution in Lok Sabha, Modi also rejected the Congress contention that the NDA government was trying to deny due credit or undermining the role of leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru, to whom he paid rich tributes.

Speaking in the backdrop of attack over 'intolerance', he asserted that diversity is the strength of India and it needs to be nurtured.

"For the government, the only 'dharma' is 'India first, the only 'dharma granth' (holy book) is the Constitution," the Prime Minister asserted in his about 70-minute reply to the debate during which opposition members raked up the issue of 'intolerance' and questioned his silence over the issue.

He also emphasised on the importance of a healthy discussion in the Parliament saying the spirit of discussion in the Lok Sabha is 'us' and not 'me' or 'you'.

Modi appreciated the efforts of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and said that her address would be remembered as very inspiring. He further thanked everyone present in the house for the interest shown during the debate on the Constitution.

"Some people have this wrong idea, maybe out of habit, that Prime Minister will respond to everything in the end. But I am speaking now, expressing my views, just as any other person here did," he said.

Modi highlighted the importance of the Constitution in the lives of the common man, saying it is a tool to unite the country.

"A nation like India is diverse and the Constitution has the power to bind us all. We must spread awareness about our Constitution as it unites us all. This nation is made by so many people, all the governments. It is the demand of time that we make people aware of the sanctity and strength of our Constitution," he added.