‘Religious freedom is not negotiable’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mounted a strong defence of the Land Acquisition Bill while maintaining that he is “still open to suggestions” on the legislation. On the criticism with regard to anti-minority utterances of some members of the ruling dispensation, the PM clearly stressed that religious freedom guaranteed in the Constitution is “not negotiable”.

In an interview to news agency UNI, a combative PM took on the Opposition for branding the BJP as an “anti-poor” party, asserting that “if the Congress is pro-poor, why does poverty still exist in India?”

He stressed that achche din have already arrived but “some people are trying to belittle and tarnish our reputation”. He highlighted the government’s pro-poor schemes such as the Jan Dhan Yojna, MUDRA Bank and the various pension schemes in this context. The PM also spoke on the border dispute with China, price rise and rural distress.

On communal statements made by his party colleagues, Modi said: “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. 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.”

His most detailed comments were made in the context of the proposed Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015. He explained why the BJP had supported the 2013 Act then and how the opposition to the proposed amendments to the law are “politically motivated”.

“… At that time (in 2013), we supported the Bill thinking that if it benefits the farmers, let us not come in the way… After we took over, many State governments, chief ministers and public representatives made representations against various provisions of the 2013 Act. Tell me, in a federal system, should we have ignored the concerns voiced by the States?” the PM asked.

He responded to the criticism with regard to his comments made on foreign soil by asserting that it is, in fact, the Congress that should “feel ashamed” of its past deeds.

“The Congress believes that their scams are not known outside the country. They should feel ashamed of their scams and not what is being said about them,” he said.

PTI reports: Keen to ensure the success of the first International Yoga Day on June 21, Modi today pitched for making yoga a mass movement, connecting people and strengthening the bonds of humanity.

In a Facebook post, he said the entire global community has come together in support of celebrating Yoga Day. In the run-up to June 21, Modi will be sharing a post daily, covering various aspects of yoga, the PMO said.

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