Narendra Modi for greater synergy between Centre and states

Calling for greater synergy between the Centre and states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked Chief Ministers across the political spectrum to not allow political differences come in the way of nation building. "Irrespective of the political parties they belong to, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers will have to work together.

There can be different political parties, but the country is one. We have to move forward shoulder-to-shoulder," Modi said at the launch of a food park here. "Earlier, the states and the Centre either competed with or hated each other due to political reasons. Some states also felt 'dushmani' (animosity towards the Centre). The country can't run like this. The states and the Centre will have to work as a team to take the country forward," Modi added.

Modi's remarks came against the backdrop of two Congress Chief Ministers -- Prithviraj Chavan of Maharashtra and Haryana's Bhupinder Singh Hooda -- deciding to boycott his official functions after being booed by alleged BJP workers in the Prime Minister's presence.

Congress had even asked its CMs and those of other opposition parties to skip Modi's functions unless BJP workers behaved properly.

However, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was present at today's function.

Modi said he will be able to win the confidence of all Chief Ministers, irrespective of their political affiliation. "I will earn the confidence of all the states and their Chief Ministers in due course of time and see how we can benefit from the lateral spirit of federalism," he said.