Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out in defense of the controversial '400 Paar' slogan, amidst allegations from opposition parties suggesting it could lead to changes in the Constitution and threaten diversity. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Monday, April 15, Modi addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders, stating firmly, "We worship diversity. We celebrate it."
The Prime Minister attributed the controversy to the opposition, accusing them of attempting to homogenise the nation. "The problem lies with them (opposition) - they want to cast the country in the same mould," Modi emphasised, countering accusations that the slogan signals intentions to amend the Constitution and abolish reservation.
The '400 Paar' slogan, coined by the BJP, has been interpreted by opposition figures as a veiled attempt to overhaul constitutional provisions, including reservation policies. Akhilesh Yadav, addressing a rally in Muzaffarnagar, warned that achieving 400 Lok Sabha seats would embolden the BJP to alter the Constitution and curtail fundamental rights.
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Responding to these allegations, Modi challenged the opposition's narrative, pointing to his administration's efforts to promote linguistic diversity. "When I speak about the mother tongue, it means I am celebrating it, I am enhancing its greatness," he remarked, highlighting initiatives to encourage education in local languages.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had previously criticised the BJP, alleging that the '400 Paar' slogan was a precursor to constitutional amendments. Gehlot accused BJP leaders of manipulating facts to sway public opinion in their favor.
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The Prime Minister attributed the controversy to the opposition, accusing them of attempting to homogenise the nation. "The problem lies with them (opposition) - they want to cast the country in the same mould," Modi emphasised, countering accusations that the slogan signals intentions to amend the Constitution and abolish reservation.
"The problem lies with the opposition. They want to cast the country in the same mould. We worship diversity. We celebrate it," says Prime Minister Modi in an interview while discussing the allegation by the opposition that '400 paar' would lead to changes in the Constitution,… pic.twitter.com/sMKiMXAmQE
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) April 15, 2024
The '400 Paar' slogan, coined by the BJP, has been interpreted by opposition figures as a veiled attempt to overhaul constitutional provisions, including reservation policies. Akhilesh Yadav, addressing a rally in Muzaffarnagar, warned that achieving 400 Lok Sabha seats would embolden the BJP to alter the Constitution and curtail fundamental rights.
Also read: PM Modi: 'I have big plans for India'
Responding to these allegations, Modi challenged the opposition's narrative, pointing to his administration's efforts to promote linguistic diversity. "When I speak about the mother tongue, it means I am celebrating it, I am enhancing its greatness," he remarked, highlighting initiatives to encourage education in local languages.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had previously criticised the BJP, alleging that the '400 Paar' slogan was a precursor to constitutional amendments. Gehlot accused BJP leaders of manipulating facts to sway public opinion in their favor.
Also read: Lawyer seeks 6-year poll ban on PM Modi — here's why
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