A conciliatory Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to the opposition urging it to join him in “collective decision-making” for development of the country and all sections of people, including Muslims.
In his maiden address to the two Houses of Parliament, Mr Modi, fresh from a massive mandate, promised not to work on the basis of numbers but “on the basis of collective decision-making”.
Rejecting apprehensions that his government may become arrogant given its numbers, he said that victory teaches many lessons, including humility.
The Prime Minister talked about his dreams of ensuring the country’s progress and converting the image from “scam India” to “skills India” thorough “cooperative federalism”.
The Prime Minister also touched upon a topic which was his favourite theme in his election speeches when he referred to pending criminal cases against elected representatives and the need to expedite trial in them so that guilty can be punished and the innocent protected.
“Parliament has the capacity to do this. We will take the help of the Supreme Court. There should be fear of the law,” he said, adding quick decisions in such cases will obviate the need for filing of affidavits by candidates who have to fill up details like criminal cases pending against them whether they are genuine or false.
Addressing “musalman bhai”, he referred to apprehensions expressed by some members over the fate of minorities and said his government would work for the development of Muslims.
“I believe if one organ of the body remains weak, the body cannot be termed as healthy. We are committed to this. We don’t see it as appeasement.”
For the first time, Mr Modi commented on the killing of a Muslim techie in Pune last week over offensive Facebook posting done by some unknown people.
Referring to the Pune killing and the recent incidents of rape in Badaun in Uttar, he said “whatever has happened, it is painful. Our conscience will not forgive us”.
Taking objection to comments on atrocities against women by some leaders, Mr Modi asked political leaders to refrain from “doing psychological analysis” of rape and respect women.
“I appeal to our political leaders that we should not carry out psychological analysis of rape... Is it correct to make a statement always? While can’t we just keep quiet.
Respect and security for women should be the topmost priority of the entire people,” he said in Lok Sabha.
