Speaking to a TV channel, the NDA’s PM candidate Shri Narendra Modi gave a befitting answer to the irresponsible statements by Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who had remarked that those who vote for Shri Modi should drown in the sea. Shri Modi asked Dr. Farooq Abdullah not to give lessons to people on secularism and first introspect on how his family communalized the atmosphere in Kashmir. He also added that India is secular not because the word is inserted in the constitution but because it is a part of Indian culture for thousands of years.
Shri Modi remarked, “If we want to talk about secularism then I want to say-we are secular not because the word was added in the Constitution. We have believed in Sarva Pantha Sambhav. We believe ‘the truth is one, there are ways to reach it.”
He went on to add, “India is a nation that thinks about everyone. Using the sword we have never attacked other cultures. Such expansionist mindset is not in our blood. We cannot tolerate such lessons on what secularism is.”
Giving a reply a reply to Dr. Abdullah, Shri Modi said, “I want to tell Dr. Farooq Abdullah- secularism is not only in our constitution but also in our veins. We worship Mother Nature too. We believe that the world is our family and in such a society if such statements are made (by Dr. Abdullah) its unfortunate. Is our secularism such that one statement can change it? No.”
Blaming Dr. Abdullah’s family for communalizing politics of Kashmir, Shri Modi said, “In our culture of thousands of years, the biggest harm on secular fabric done anywhere is done in J&K and it is done due to politics of your father, yourself and your son. It is due to your politics and politics of your son. Kashmir is the only land from where Pandits were removed solely for their religion. The land of Sufism and harmony has been made communal due to your politics. You talk of drowning those who vote for Modi but you have committed sin of making Kashmir communal. Such words do not suit you. And if someone has to drown please look in the mirror and see who should drown. How can those who removed Kashmiri Pandits talk of secularism. You cannot insult our values and culture like this.”
Placing his firm belief of development Shri Modi said, “We say Sarva Pantha Sambhav not due to politics but due to our love for Bharat Mata. We will walk on this path. We won't get derailed by statements like those Dr. Abdullah made.”
