PM Modi pitches for ‘one nation, one secular civil code’

Lauding government initiatives to establish “one nation” models like Aadhaar, GST and Ayushman Bharat, Modi said: “Our attempts at unity are now going to result in one nation, one election which will strengthen democracy in India and bring optimal outcome of the resources… We are moving towards a one nation, one civil code — a secular civil code… It will help eliminate the complaints of discrimination at the caste level.”

Modi alleged that a “political force” of “urban Naxals” was trying to “break the unity” of the country through a “well planned conspiracy”. “Due to India’s increasing strengths and capabilities, some forces within and outside are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy. They want to hurt India’s economic interests. They want to send a wrong message to foreign investors by portraying a negative image of the nation in the world,” he said.

Without taking names, Modi said “these people” were also targeting India’s armed forces through a “disinformation campaign” and trying to ignite sentiments of separatism in the Army. “These people are trying to divide the country on caste lines. Their only goal is to weaken the Indian society as well as people’s unity,” he said.

They don’t want to see India as a developed country because what suits them is the politics of a weaker and poor India, he said, adding that such “dirty politics” went on for nearly five decades. Modi alleged that though these forces always talk about democracy and the Constitution, they are actually working to divide the country.

The PM urged the people to identify this nexus of “urban Naxals”. As Naxalism is ending in the jungles, a new model of urban Naxals is raising its head, he said. “We need to identify such people who are dreaming of breaking the country. We have to fight these forces. Today, urban Naxals target even those who say that you will remain safe if you remain united. We have to identify urban Naxals and unmask them,” he said.

Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said: “Today, the entire country is happy that after over seven decades of independence, the pledge of one country, one Constitution has been completed… For the first time, the Chief Minister of J&K has taken oath on the Constitution. I see it as a very important milestone for India’s unity. I salute the people of J&K who gave respect to the Constitution.”

The PM announced that the country will begin a two-year celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, that will be marked on October 31, 2025.

Accusing previous governments of “discriminatory policies”, Modi said: “In the last 10 years, the new model of good governance has eliminated every echo of discrimination. We have chosen the path of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and all beneficiary schemes are reaching all homes without any discrimination.”

The Prime Minister said that today’s India has vision, direction and determination. “It is not an ordinary feat that India is emerging as a leader in times of war… When there are conflicts around the world… India is able to extend a hand of friendship… a new history is being written,” he said.

With PTI