PM reaches out to political parties, asks all to stand together for national interests

Addressing Vijayadashami celebrations in the national capital, Modi called upon citizens to adopt a 'Nation First' pledge and collectively identify and defeat forces that threaten national unity.

The Prime Minister said those who harm the country, divide society or harbour hostility towards its cultural traditions were enemies of the nation.

His remarks came against the backdrop of opposition protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and renewed efforts by the government to secure support for the proposed women's reservation legislation.

𝗣𝗠 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

Invoking a Sanskrit verse, Modi stressed that political differences should not prevent parties and institutions from working together on matters of national importance.

"May our thoughts be aligned; may all the institutions of the nation, all political parties, stand together for national interests. We must proceed with this very spirit and we must fight together against the enemies of the country," he said.

The Prime Minister said the forces that inflict harm on India, those who divide society and people who harbour hatred towards the country's culture must be confronted collectively.

His appeal assumes significance as the government continues consultations with opposition parties over the proposed constitutional amendment relating to women's reservation and delimitation.

The remarks also came amid protests by opposition parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.

The BJP has alleged that the protests were encouraged by foreign forces opposed to India's progress. The allegations have not been independently established.

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

The government's renewed outreach follows its unsuccessful attempt in April to secure parliamentary approval for legislation providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while increasing the Lok Sabha's maximum strength from 543 to 815 seats.

The proposed constitutional amendment failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.

On Monday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasising the government's commitment to involving all political parties in discussions on issues of national importance.

Rijiju expressed hope that the Congress would adopt a constructive approach and not obstruct important legislation in the future.

Kharge had earlier written to Modi demanding an all-party meeting before the government proceeded with the constitutional amendment again.

The monsoon session of Parliament, adjourned sine die on August 13, has not yet been prorogued, prompting speculation that the government could convene a special sitting to reconsider the legislation.

However, no formal announcement regarding such a sitting has been made.

𝗥𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝘆𝗮 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Referring to the ideals of Lord Ram, Modi said Ram Rajya continued to serve as a benchmark for good governance, where justice, equality and public welfare remained central to administration.

He said the concept represented a society free from discrimination, where every citizen received equal opportunities and the purpose of political power was service rather than domination.

"We should take inspiration from Lord Ram to fulfil people's aspirations," Modi said.

The Prime Minister urged those holding public office to place the welfare of citizens, particularly the poor and underprivileged, above other considerations.

He reiterated the principle of Nagarik Devo Bhava, describing service to citizens as a fundamental responsibility of governance.

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Modi also emphasised the importance of self-reliance, urging citizens to draw inspiration from Lord Ram's determination in overcoming adversity.

"No matter how big the crisis may be, no matter how tough the challenge may be... we must not sit back relying on others," he said.

The Prime Minister called for greater confidence in India's capabilities and resources, stressing that challenges could be overcome through determination and collective effort.

"We must recognise our own strength. We must have faith in our resources. We must turn our resolve into power and find solutions through our own hard work," he said.

His remarks came on the day US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai amid differences between New Delhi and Washington over India's procurement of Russian energy.

Modi maintained that national progress depended on self-respect, confidence and the ability to develop solutions through domestic capabilities.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟱𝟬 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱

Highlighting efforts to preserve India's cultural heritage, Modi said more than 650 ancient idols had been brought back to the country over the past 12 years.

He said Indian artefacts had been taken abroad over centuries and the government was working to recover these cultural treasures.

The Prime Minister added that India was strengthening the international recognition of its cultural centres and traditions.

He said a nation's progress was closely connected to its sense of self-respect, which was shaped significantly by its heritage and identity.

Referring to the significance of Vijayadashami, Modi said the festival reinforced the belief that truth and humanity would ultimately prevail over injustice.

"This festival instils in us the courage that no matter how mighty the enemy may be, when we stand with truth and humanity, victory is ultimately ours," he said.

The Prime Minister concluded by urging citizens to uphold the ideals of Lord Ram and work collectively towards national development, social harmony and public welfare.