In a spirited defence to the criticism of the Government on issues of communalism by members of Opposition during the Motion of Thanks on President’s speech, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that no one has a right to disturb the communal harmony or dominate the development agenda.
“India is deeply rooted in secularism and the credit for this goes to the majority community. Communal forces should be isolated and not glorified,” Naqvi said. “It is our nationalistic commitment to usher the country towards harmony, prosperity and security,” he said, adding that the country “does not support Talibani mentality.” He asked political parties to rise above such politics (to garner votes) and work together for India’s development.
Referring to the domestic disturbances in neighbouring Pakistan, Naqvi said after partition while it chose to become an Islamic state, the founders of the Indian Constitution chose secularism. And while all communities were living harmoniously in India, the neighbouring nation was witnessing a spate of massacres and terrorism where innocent children are killed.
Defending the NDA on its recent decisions, Naqvi said his Government has taken in stride the challenges and legacy left behind by the previous Government. He added that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wanted to take the development agenda of Atal Behari Vajpayee forward but was prevented by shackles of corruption and policy paralysis.
“Corruption dominated so much so that the judiciary started taking decisions on major matters and it was Modi who has spearheaded the reform process, and made the atmosphere positive,” said the Minister. Countering Congress attack, Naqvi said his Government has successfully weeded out middlemen from the corridors of power in Delhi. The statement invited reactions from Opposition Benches as Naqvi maintained his Government’s stand on zero-tolerance on corruption.