Contending that the definition of secularism has been distorted, PM Modi invoked Jan Sangh ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay to say that Muslims should be treated as "your own" rather than seeing them as "items of vote market".
Contending that the definition of secularism has been distorted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Jan Sangh ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay to say that Muslims should be treated as "your own" rather than seeing them as "items of vote market".
Addressing the BJP Council meeting here, he said his government's mission of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas' is not a political slogan but a commitment to ensure welfare of the last man in the society.
In his speech, Modi spoke at length about secularism, balanced and inclusive growth and need for electoral reforms while paying tributes to Upadhyay on his 100th birth anniversary.
"These days, the definition has been distorted. Even nationalism is cursed these days," he said. While talking about life and contribution of Upadhyay, Modi quoted him as saying, "don't reward nor rebuke Muslims.
Empower them. They are not items of vote market nor are they substance of hate. Treat them as your own."
At the conclusion of the two-day BJP conclave here aimed at making inroads in Kerala, the Prime Minister traced the party's journey from the days of Jan Sangh and asserted that "we never compromised with our ideology".
He said if the BJP had compromised with the ideology, it could have attained power long back. Speaking at Session 2 of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s centenary celebrations in Kozhikode, Kerala, the PM asserted that the BJP had never comprised its values. He said: “A PM of this country was once asked for how long will you remain PM? He answered that the one who goes to Everest does not go there to reside but to make history. However, we are not part of such a journey. If we wld have entered politics for gains, we would have compromised on values at some level. A country such as ours - full of young people, should have youthful dreams and youthful pace.”
He added; “BJP's original character is based on principles of welfare of people. We have never compromised on our ideals. Other parties might have good people but we have more good people than them. All our senior leaders made us what we are today.”
He added: “Deendayal Upadhyaya ji said, Muslims shouldn't be treated as substance for votes or looked down upon, they should be considered equal. Deendayal Upadhyaya kehte thea gar sabhi ko barabari me lana hai to upar ke logo ke jhukar ke apne haath vanchit logo tak badane chahiye. Deendayal Upadhyaya has said, 50 years back, "Don’t reward Muslims, don’t rebuke Muslims, empower them. Our Govt is committed to the welfare of the last person in the society.”
He said: “Today people discuss about global warming, but Deendayal Upadhyaya ji back then used to say that we should respect our resources. On Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary (Oct 2), we will ratify the decisions that were made during COP21. Our party was formed for poor section of society & all our initiatives today are focussing on down trodden people only. There is a need for a discussion to bring in change in the procedure for elections in our country.”
With inputs from PTI and ANI
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