ALL ENTITIES AND POLITICAL PARTIES MUST UNITE IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST: MODI

ALL ENTITIES AND POLITICAL PARTIES MUST UNITE IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST: MODI

21-OCT-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI------------------------Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon all political parties to unite in the national interest and fulfill the aspirations of the public.

Modi’s appeal comes at a time when the government is attempting to build a consensus to pass constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation and women's reservation.

Participating in a Vijayadashami celebration in the national capital, Modi urged his fellow citizens to take a pledge of 'Nation First.' He stated that everyone must work together to identify and defeat the enemies of 'Mother India' (Maa Bharati).

The Prime Minister remarked that forces seeking to harm the country, those sowing division within society, and a "mindset that harbors hatred toward our culture"—all these are enemies of the nation.

Modi’s comments come as his government faces protests led by the opposition and the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CoJP). These protests demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that in the national capital and various states... These protests, which took place in several other locations, were orchestrated at the behest of foreign powers that do not wish to see India progress.

Modi stated that 'Ramrajya' (the ideal reign of Lord Ram) is still considered the gold standard for good governance. He explained that in Ramrajya, there is no discrimination; every individual receives justice, equal opportunities are available to all, and the purpose of governance is not to rule, but to ensure the welfare of the people.

The Prime Minister remarked, "We should draw inspiration from Lord Ram to fulfill the aspirations of the public."

He emphasized that all institutions and political parties must unite in the national interest.

Citing a Sanskrit verse, Modi said, "Let there be unity in our thoughts; may all the institutions and political parties of the country come together for the sake of the nation. We must move forward with this spirit and stand united against the enemies of the nation."

Highlighting his government's vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India), Modi said, "We must place our faith in our own resources. We should transform our resolve into strength and seek solutions through our own hard work. Lord Ram has taught us that difficulties cannot halt our journey."

He added, "No matter how grave the crisis or how daunting the challenge, we must not sit around waiting for others to act."

Modi urged, "We must recognize our own strength, trust in our resources, turn our resolve into power, and find solutions through our own diligent efforts."

He further noted, "This festival instills in us the courage to believe that no matter how powerful an adversary may be, if we stand on the side of truth and humanity, victory will ultimately be ours. This very spirit of Dussehra has always been the core ethos of India."

Modi mentioned that Lord Ram taught people that the obstacles encountered along the way cannot stop one's journey. He stated that a nation progresses only when it possesses a sense of self-respect, and that its heritage plays a crucial role in shaping this self-respect.

He remarked, "This is precisely why the country is currently working towards preserving its heritage and identity."

Modi noted that for centuries, India’s artifacts were looted and taken abroad; however, the government is now bringing these invaluable treasures back.

He added, "Over the last 12 years, more than 650 ancient idols have been brought back to India. India is giving its cultural centers a new identity on the global stage. Vijayadashami is a festival of victory."

Modi further stated, "This is the ideal set by Lord Shri Ram. Therefore, we must always view the public as divine—embracing the mantra 'Nagarik Devo Bhava' (treating citizens as divine)—and prioritize the service of the poor and the marginalized."