New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made it clear that for his government, 'India First' is the only religion and 'constitution' the only holy book.
Modi said this while participating in a discussion on 'Commitment to the Constitution' in the Lok Sabha. The discussion was part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, considered the chief architect of the constitution.
Adopting a conciliatory approach towards opposition, Modi conceded that previous governments cannot be denied their contribution in the country's development.
"No one can say that the earlier governments have not done anything for this country. I am not saying this today; I have said this from the Red Fort,"
Modi said India was not made by 'maharajas' (kings) but the common people and all the governments.
It was not easy to make a constitution like that of India, Modi said, appreciating the efforts of the makers of the constitution.
Modi said the spirit of the discussion was the idea of "us" and not about "you" or "me".
"To strengthen our democracy, it is important for the people to know about all the aspects of our constitution," the prime minister added.
The Indian constitution is a binding force in a diverse country," Modi said while wrapping up a two-day debate to mark the 125th anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar, considered the chief architect of the constitution.
He described Ambedkar as one of the great people of the country who helped draft such a "perfect constitution" which, after so many years, still fits the bill.
"It ensures dignity for every individual and unity for the country," he said. In today's time, no law seems to be perfect, unlike the constitution which has stood the test of time for so long.
Looking at the opposition benches, Modi said the previous governments' contribution in the country's development cannot be denied.
"No one can say that the earlier governments have not done anything for this country. I am not saying this today. I have said this from the Red Fort."
India, he said, was not made by 'maharajas' but by common people and all the governments since independence in 1947.
It was no easy task to draft a constitution like that of India, that too within three years, Modi said. It must have been "really challenging" as people of diverse beliefs and habits lived in the country.
And the spirit of the parliamentary discussion was about "us" and not about "you" or "me".
"To strengthen our democracy, it is important for people to know about all aspects of our constitution.
"Ambedkar's role in framing the constitution cannot be ignored, but there are others too who worked and contributed to it."
Modi said it was the parliamentarians' duty to take the spirit of the constitution among the people.
The prime minister also said that despite the insults he faced in his lifetime as a Dalit, Ambedkar drafted the constitution without any bias.
"He bore all the humiliation but there was no sense of revenge in him. No sense of revenge is reflected in the constitution."
Modi also praised Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for her speech at the start of the debate on Thursday.
"I believe your speech will be an inspirational document in parliamentary history. I congratulate you," he said to applause.
Highlights of PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha:
* Government has only one religion, "India First": PM Modi
* The nation will run only according to the Constitution: PM Modi
* We must use our constitution for the welfare of poor and dalits: PM Modi
* If a part of a body is paralysed, the body cannot be termed as healthy: PM Modi
* When Lohia told Nehru that his policies werent working, Nehru stood up & said "I cant deny those facts". That was his maturity: PM Modi
* We are very proud of those who have given their lives for the freedom of our nation: PM Modi
* There has been a decline in the credibility of politicians which is a matter of concern: PM Modi
* MPs in the past have shown a lot of maturity: PM Modi
* No amount of pride is enough for our Constitution: PM Modi
* All have the right to complain: PM Modi
* It is our duty to maintain the sanctity of our Constitution: PM Modi
* I am speaking here like any other MP of the House: PM Modi
* Ambedkar suffered humiliation but never took revenge: PM Modi
* Festivals of 12 religions celebrated in India with equal harmony: PM Modi
* BR Ambedkar's thoughts & teachings have been valid, true, & applicable to all generations, of any given time: PM Modi
* If someone has to criticize Govt,or defend oneself or be neutral, all quote Baba Sb Ambedkar: PM Modi
* If Constitution simply becomes a document to be followed by the Govt then democracy will suffer, thats why it needs to reach the roots: PM Modi
* It must have been difficult to form a Constitution for a nation as diverse as India: PM Modi
* Due credit to all previous governmenst: PM Modi
* Baba Saheb Ambedkar's contribution can nver be forgotten: PM Modi
* We need to consistently educate people about the strengths and importance of the constitution:PM Modi
* We need to consistently educate people about the strengths and importance of the constitution-PM Modi
* Dont remember any PM saying from the Red Fort that this nation is what it is due to contribution of all Govts & PMs this nation has seen: PM Modi
* A nation like India is diverse, and the Constitution has the power to bind us all: PM Modi
* The spirit of this (Constitution)debate is not "you" or "I", it is "We": PM Modi
* But I am speaking now, expressing my views, just as any other person here did: PM Modi
* Some people have this wrong idea, maybe out of habit, that PM will respond to everything in the end: PM in LS
* I thank everyone for the interest shown in the constitution debate and the support it got-PM Modi
* PM Modi begins his speech in Lok Sabha on the Constitution debate
