In what seemed a defence of the new farm laws and other reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said all decisions should be taken keeping national interest in mind and that of the current and future generations in mind even as he quoted Guru Nanak to say a “dialogue must go on” on the issues of the day.
In a speech to mark the foundation stone ceremony of the new Parliament building, Modi said democracy has always been a medium to resolve differences. Pointedly citing the teachings of Guru Nanak, he said, “Guru Nanak had said, ‘jab tak sansar rahe, tab tak sambad chalte rehna chahiye’ (so long as the universe exists, dialogue must go on).”
The PM’s remarks came in the backdrop of several opposition parties skipping the function. No Congress leader was present barring former Speaker Shivraj Patil (ex-PM Manmohan Singh sent a message), and DMK, TMC, NCP, Left parties, Shiv Sena, SAD and SP gave the proceedings a miss.
Several opposition parties have opposed the Central Vista re-development plan and those that did not turn up have backed farm unions opposed to the new farm laws. Those who attended included YSRCP and BJD. “I am happy to be witness to a historic ocassion,” said BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab.
Speaking and listening is the life of dialogue, this is the soul of democracy. There can be differences in policies and politics but there should not be any differences in the ultimate goal of serving people. All our debate and dialogue, whether inside or outside Parliament, should reflect our oath for serving the nation and our dedication to national interest,” the Prime Minister said.
“When we work according highest priority to national interest, no one can stop the emergence of a self-reliant and prosperous India,” Modi said, adding in India, democracy forms the “soul of the nation, it is a way of life”.
Terming the foundation stone ceremony a milestone, Modi said the laws made inside the existing Parliament and the debates there are a part of the country’s democratic heritage, but it was important to accept the reality that “now it needs rest”.
