Heptulla praises PM Modi's statement in LS

Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reference to the October 27, 2013, Patna bomb blast during his address in the Lok Sabha, saying this reflected his character and commitment towards development.

Heptulla said the Prime Minister spoke strongly on communal issues and development.

"He gave a reference to the Patna bomb blast, I have been highlighting this from the very beginning that bombs were being burst but he did not step away from development agenda. This reflects one's character and his commitment towards development," she added.

Replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha today, Prime Minister Modi said the religion of his government is 'India First' and the Constitution is the holy book of the country. He said no one can take the law into his or her hands and discriminate on the grounds of community.

The Prime Minister's reassurance comes after a series of attacks on Christian institutions and churches in the national capital.

Heptulla further said the Prime Minister talked about MNREGA and pointed out the deficiencies.

"He pointed that there is some shortage in the delivery system....So, there will be a correction," she added.

The Prime Minister earlier ridiculed the Congress by saying he would never end the party's flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), as it was the epitome of the former's failure.