Narrow, sectarian ideologies have no place in India: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today launched a veiled attack on Narendra Modi saying there can be no place for "narrow and sectarian ideologies" in a modern, progressive and secular country as they divide society and weaken democracy.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of historic Red Fort on the 67th Independence Day, he spoke on a variety of issues including giving a strong message to Pakistan to stop anti-India activities emanating from there for improving bilateral relations.
Singh asserted that all steps will be taken to prevent "dastardly" acts like the recent killing of jawans on the LoC.
In his 10th consecutive Independence Day address and the last before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he also expressed the hope that the food security law will be passed by Parliament soon.

He exuded confidence that the slowdown in Indian economy will not last long as government is working hard to remedy the situation.
Without taking the name of Modi, the presumptive Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP whom his detractors find as "divisive", Singh said, "There can be no place for narrow and sectarian ideologies in a modern, progressive and secular country.

"Such ideologies divide our society and weaken our democracy. We should prevent them from growing."
The Prime Minister said, "We need to strengthen those traditions of our country which teach us to promote tolerance and respect for thought processes different from ours. I would appeal to all political parties, all sections of our society and the public at large to work in this direction."

He appealed to all political parties, all sections of society and the public at large to work in this direction.