First is the only religion, Constitution the only holy book: Modi

In a speech devoid of any tone of political confrontation and by rising above partisan politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted in the Lok Sabha that for his government “India first” is the only religion and the Constitution is the only holy book.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu also insisted that the term “secular” will remain part of the Preamble of the Constitution.

“There is a threat to the principles of the Constitution these days…What we have seen in the past few months, is total violation of the values of the constitution”, said Gandhi, clearly setting the stage for a confrontation.

“No praise is enough for the persons who created the Constitution and nobody can ever deny Dr. B R Ambedkar’s contribution in framing the Constitution”.

The government’s decision to mark 26th November as Constitution Day was not a move to overshadow the importance of January 26, he said. Modi emphasized Ambedkar’s contribution to the constitution by pointing out that people who criticized and people who supported the government could both quote from BR Ambedkar. He said he will live in India for strengthening the country.

Earlier in the day, Kharge’s remarks pertaining to Aryans drew protests from BJP members.

There has been a feeling in the Congress that the ruling National Democratic Alliance is seeking to usurp the legacy of Ambedkar. He also disputed the Congress interpretation of the word “secularism”, saying that the Constitution was not anti-religion but anti-theocracy.

Sonia said four personalities – Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad – guided the process of making Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government will bring to Parliament a bill to amend the Bonus Act with a view to enhance the benefits for the working class. “Pandit Nehru said he would not challenge Lohia”.

However, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said there was nothing objectionable in the comment.

“The history and the background of the legislation and the government’s response to these issues in detail were also explained to them…”

“The constitution, that we all respect, for whose protection we take oath, that has the imprint of best brains and great souls who take birth rarely”, she said. He emphasized this point in his long speech that today our country is moving forward on the path of justice, harmony and progress and it has become possible due to the strength of our constitution.