No place for bitterness, fear in new India: PM Modi

New Delhi: India’s credo of unity in diversity was visible in its totality after the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute as all sections of the society accepted it with an open heart, the Prime Minister Modi said on Saturday, urging people to shun bitterness and negativity for the sake of a new India.

Addressing the nation hours after the top court gave its judgment, Mr Modi said the way each section of the society welcomed the verdict reflects India’s ancient traditions of amity and harmony.

“It is a day of unity (jode ka din, referring to the opening of Kartarpur corridor, a historic event which opened access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan for Indian Sikh devotees),” the Prime Minister said.

He said India’s credo of unity in diversity is today visible in its totality.

The PM also expressed happiness that the five-judge bench was unanimous in its order. Mr Modi said peace, unity and amity are essential for development of India and described November 9 as a day to forget any bitterness one may have. He said there is no place for fear, bitterness and negativity in new India.

Settling a fractious issue that goes back more than a century, the top court in a historic verdict backed the construction of a Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

In a series of tweets in Hindi and English, Mr Modi also asserted that the judgment clearly illustrates that everybody is equal before the law.

“Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti (devotion to Ram or Rahim), it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of rashtra bhakti (devotion to the country),” he said, adding “the verdict shouldn’t be seen as a win or loss for anybody.”

Noting that the temple of justice (the apex court) has amicably concluded a matter going on for decades, he said the SC verdict will further strengthen people’s faith in the judicial system.

“The calm and peace maintained by 130 crore Indians in the run-up to today’s verdict manifests India’s inherent commitment to peaceful coexistence. May this very spirit of unity and togetherness power the development trajectory of our nation. May every Indian be empowered,” he said.

In a series of tweets, Home minister Amit Shah appealed to all communities and religions to accept the decision of the apex court with ease and remain committed to “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ (one India, great India).