Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday came down heavily on hate-mongering and asserted his Government was committed to religious freedom and believed in the moto, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. “Some unfortunate comments have been made, which were totally uncalled for. Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom to every citizen and that is not negotiable. I have said this before and I say it again, any discrimination or violence against any community will not be tolerated," Modi said in an interview to news agency UNI.
“My position on this is very clear, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. We stand for every one of the 1.25 billion Indians regardless of caste or creed and we will work for the progress of every one of them. Every faith in our country has equal rights; it is equal not only before the law but also before society,” said Modi. On protests against the land Bill, Modi said the criticism against the Bill was politically-motivated. He blamed the Congress for spreading disinformation about the Bill and said the UPA Government’s Act was responsible for the roadblocks in acquisition of land for many development projects.
“The criticism against our Bill is politically-motivated. In fact, changes made by us correct serious flaws in the earlier legislation. Our Bill focuses on benefitting the farmer and balancing the long-term interests of the nation. The world is changing fast. Even farmers need canals to irrigate, roads to transfer products from farms to markets. They need hospitals, schools and houses.
“Farmers want modern amenities in their vicinity and jobs in formal sectors for their sons and daughters. This is what the Bill strives to do while safeguarding the interests of farmers. However, we are open to a discussion with all political parties, and consider their suggestions so long as the core objectives are met. I hope that we will get the cooperation and support of the political parties on this matter of national importance,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the amendments were mooted after several States had pointed out the lacunas in the UPA’s Act.
Taking on the Opposition for accusing him of favouring the corporate sector, he said those who gave away precious natural resources like coal and spectrum to their favourite industrialists have no right to say this. "Everyone knows where the country stands after 60 years of Congress rule. They have been sustaining their politics only in the name of the poor. But what have they actually doneIJ Poverty is still widespread in the country. You should ask them, if you were pro-poor, why does poverty still exist in IndiaIJ In just one year, we have taken steps on every possible front to help bring people out of the vicious cycle of poverty," said the PM.
On his own assessment about his Government, Modi said he was very satisfied. "I am very satisfied. The most satisfying part of this year is that we have lived up to the promise that our intentions will be pure and our actions will be driven by long-term national interest. Remember the situation one year ago. large-scale corruption at various levels of Government gave rise to scams on a regular basis. Our precious natural resources were going into the hands of a chosen few. In contrast, there are neither any charges of corruption against my Government nor any scandals. We have given a clean, transparent and efficient Government."