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Dynastic parties matter of concern to people committed to Constitution: PM Modi

Prime minister also said that the constitutional spirit is hurt when political parties lose their democratic character

In a scathing attack on dynastic politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in the form of family-based parties, India is heading towards a kind of a crisis, which is a matter of concern for the people devoted to the Constitution, and those who believe in democracy.

Speaking at a function to mark the Constitution Day on Friday, PM said, “More than one person from a family joining the party on the basis of merit does not make the party dynastic. Problems arise when a party is run by the same family, generation after generation… Party for the family, by the family… Do I need to say more? If a party is run by one family for many generations, then it is not good for a healthy democracy,” said PM Modi

The Prime Minister lamented that the spirit of the Constitution has also been hurt, every section of the Constitution has also been hurt, when political parties lose their democratic character themselves. “How can the parties which have lost their democratic character protect democracy?” PM questioned.

The Prime Minister also warned against the tendency of forgetting and glorifying convicted corrupt people. He said while giving an opportunity to reform we should refrain from glorifying such people in public life.

The Constitution Day celebrations held in Parliament on Friday were also addressed by the President, Vice President, and the Lok Sabha Speaker. President Ram Nath Kovind released the digital version of Constituent Assembly Debates, digital version of calligraphed copy of Constitution of India and updated version of the Constitution of India that includes all amendments till date.

The Prime Minister also bowed to the martyrs of 26/11. “Today, 26/11 is such a sad day for us, when the enemies of the country came inside the country and carried out the terrorist attack in Mumbai. The brave soldiers of the country sacrificed their lives while fighting the terrorists. Today I bow to their sacrifices,” the Prime Minister said.

Elaborating on the spirit behind celebrating the Constitution Day, the PM said it was the 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, “We all felt that what could be a greater auspicious occasion than the gift that Babasaheb Ambedkar had given to this country, we should always remember his contribution in the form of a memory book (Smrit Granth)”. He said it would have been better if along with establishing the tradition of Republic Day on 26th January, Constitution Day was also established on 26th November at that time itself.

In his speech President Kovind said that all the Members of Parliament are defenders of the dignity of the Parliament whether they represent the ruling party or the Opposition. He said that there may be differences of opinion, but no difference should be so great as to hinder the real purpose of public service.

The President said that the Opposition is, in fact, the most important element of democracy. Without an effective Opposition, democracy becomes ineffective. It is expected that the government and the opposition, despite their differences, continue to work together in the best interests of the citizens.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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