Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi
Ahead of the expected Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed government, political parties and the civil society helped keep down tensions after the Allahabad High Court’s 2010 ruling on the disputed land in Ayodhya.
He described it as an example of how a united voice can strengthen the country.
In his monthly “Mann ki Baat” radio address, Modi asked people to jog their memory and recall the days ahead of the Allahabad High Court judgment of September 2010.
“I remember when the Allahabad High Court gave its verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi in September 2010. You could jog your memory a bit and reflect about the atmosphere then. Various kinds of people took to the arena. Various interest groups were playing games to take advantage of that situation in their own way,” the prime minister said.
He referred to the “kind of language” used to “generate tension in the atmosphere”. He said some loudmouths had the sole intention of hogging the limelight at that time.”And we all know what kind of irresponsible talk was floating around… This continued for five days, or seven days, or ten days, but, the court’s decision generated a pleasant and surprising change of mood in the country,” he said.
On the one hand, the machinations went on to generate tension. When the decision was delivered by the court, the government, political parties, social organizations, civil society, representatives of all sects and saints on the other issued balanced statements. There were attempts to reduce the tension in the sociopolitical environment, he pointed out.
He said the dignity of the judiciary was honoured “and no allowance for any heated discourse or tension was made anywhere”.
“These episodes should always be remembered… It is an example of how the voice of unison can bestow strength upon our country,” he said.
While referring to the Allahabad High Court verdict, the prime minister did not mention the Supreme Court ruling expected in a few days.
A Special Full Bench of the Allahabad High Court had ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya will be divided into three parts. A two-thirds portion is to be shared by two Hindu plaintiffs and one-third will be given to the Sunni Muslim Waqf Board.
The apex court is likely to deliver its verdict on the Ayodhya issue sometime in the middle of November. PTI
Festival tourism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that India should step up efforts to promote “festival tourism”.
Modi, who wished the country for Diwali in his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, said: “India is a country of festivals, there is a lot of scope of festival tourism here. Be it Holi, Diwali, Onam, Pongal or Bihu—we should make an effort to publicise such festivals and include other states, other countries in the celebrations”.
He spoke about the Indian Diaspora promoting ‘Bharat’ through its Diwali celebrations: “Diwali is celebrated in many parts of the world today. Not only the Indian community but also the governments of many countries, their citizens and the social organisations there also participate in these celebrations enthusiastically. In a way they make a ‘Bharat’ there”.
He also spoke about Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31.
“On October 31, 2018, ‘Statue of Unity’, made in the memory of Sardar Patel, was dedicated to the nation and world. It’s the tallest statue of world, twice the height of ‘Statue of Liberty’. The tallest statue of the world fills every Indian with pride,” he said.
