In a significant political debate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for a greater synergy between Centre and States for nation’s development. He also said political differences should not hinder Centre State relations which will halt development. Modi was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a Food park at Tumkur in Karnataka.
He said, “Irrespective of the political parties they belong to, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers will have to work together. There can be different political parties, but the country is one. We have to move forward shoulder-to-shoulder.”
“Earlier, the States and the Centre either competed with or hated each other due to political reasons. Some States also felt ‘dushmani’ (animosity towards the Centre). The country can’t run like this. The States and the Centre will have to work as a team to take the country forward,” Modi added.
Modi’s remarks came against the backdrop of two Congress Chief Ministers — Prithviraj Chavan of Maharashtra and Haryana’s Bhupinder Singh Hooda — deciding to boycott his official functions after being booed by alleged BJP workers in the Prime Minister’s presence.
The Congress had even asked its CMs and those of other Opposition parties to skip Modi’s functions unless BJP workers behaved properly. However, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was present at the function.
Modi said he would be able to win the confidence of all the Chief Ministers irrespective of their political affiliations.“I will earn the confidence of all the States and their Chief Ministers in due course of time and see how we can benefit from the lateral spirit of federalism,” he said.