Narendra Modi: Any atrocity a blot on nation

As members cutting across party lines expressed concern over growing intolerance in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said any incident of “atrocity” is a “blot” on the society as well as the nation whose “pain” should be felt by all and asserted that unity and harmony is the only way to take the country forward.

“The main reason behind celebrating our Constitution was to make our young people aware of our great leaders of the past. This Constitution prepared by the makers of our nation assures social justice, dignity and equality of respect to everyone,” the Prime Minister said in his reply to the three-day discussion on the Constitution Day.

Asking all parties to rise above political considerations and show unity in taking the country forward, Mr Modi underlined the “mantra of ekta”, saying there can be “many excuses for disintegration” in a diverse country like India but ways should be explored to keep the country united. Mr Modi’s appeal comes at a time when crucial legislation are pending in Parliament, particularly posing a challenge for the government in Rajya Sabha where it is not in majority. “We need unity between the two Houses of Parliament to ensure smooth functioning of our democracy. Success of India’s Constitution depends upon success of both wings of Parliament. This is what Pandit Nehru said.”

Mr Modi said no questions can be raised over patriotism of any of the 125 crore Indians and nobody needs to produce a “certificate of patriotism”, a statement that assumes significance as some people have make controversial remarks like asking dissenting people to “go to Pakistan”.

“Nobody can raise questions over patriotism of the 125 crore citizens of the country. Nobody needs to give certificate of patriotism every now and then,” he said. Soon after Mr Modi’s 40-minute reply to the three-day debate on the Constitution, the Upper House unanimously adopted a resolution vowing to protect India’s plurality and its democratic, socialist and secular character.

The resolution, read out by Chairman Hamid Ansari, was adopted with thumping of desks by the members after the discussion on the commitment to the Constitution as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of B.R. Ambedkar. The members also pledged to “maintain transparency, probity and accountability in public life; and dedicate ourselves to equality and social justice and contribute to the task of building a strong republic.”

The House “remembered with gratitude”, the commitment of Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneering and monumental role played by Jawaharlal Nehru,

Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and “other founding fathers of our Constitution and their contribution” in enabling its adoption and enactment.

Mr Modi called for cooperation between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and invoked Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and Leader of Rajya Sabha, to underline that in case of a dispute, the view of the Lower House will prevail.

Quoting Ayyangar, Modi said “the other House (Rajya Sabha) should not be an obstruction in the way of framing laws. There cannot be any bigger guide for this House (Rajya Sabha).” “I give more importance to Rajya Sabha, the House of Elders. There cannot be any discussion where there are no Elders and Rajya Sabha has its own unique role,” he said.”It is important on how we should run this House... It is very important. The nation is looking at us.”

Pitching for unity and harmony, Mr Modi outlined a proposal to put in place a scheme ‘Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat’ to strengthen the unity of the country.

Giving a glimpse of his idea which is still taking shape, he said the proposal could involve one state celebrating some other by holding annual festivals and learning languages.

Underlining that the country cannot move forward by ‘tu tu, mai mai’ (bickerings), Modi advocated the need for consensus while decrying the tendency to link everything to politics. He cited the example of framing of the Constitution, saying there were different views even then but they came up with a historic document with a foresight as they could visualise the issues that would come up even 50 years later.

The Prime Minister said the new generation in the country should be prepared to do penance for the “sins of our ancesters” and will have to take the responsibility to ensure social justice.

He said the Constitution is not about laws alone, but is a social document, that can be referred to, whenever there is need for guidance and inspiration.

Wrapping up a debate on the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, one of the key architects of the constitution, Modi said the constitution kept the country united.“The greatest political venture in the world is India’s constitution. The example set by the drafting committee is the greatest source of learning for leaders of independent India. If we have a guiding light today then that is our constitution,” Modi said.

Earlier, participating in the debate , Anand Sharma (Congress) hit out at the government for ignoring Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary and his contribution to the country. He said despite other countries leaders’ lauding Nehru during the Indo-Africa summit, Mr Modi made no mention of Nehru’s contributions.

Earlier, pointing fingers at the Congress, Rvi Shanker Prasad (BJP) sought to know why there was delay in awarding Bharat Ratna to not only Ambedkar but also to other leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel, Abul Kalam Azad and Jayaprakash Narayan. While Ambedkar was honoured with Bharat Ratna in 1990, Patel in 1991, Azad in 1992 and Narayan in 1999, he added.