NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the government believes in dialogue and discussion while addressing questions on the social and political impact of various Gen Z-led movements.Shah said at a press conference that people in a democracy have the right to express their views, asserting that a BJP-led government cannot impose an Emergency.“We are in a democracy. People hold different views on various issues, and it is essential that those views are expressed. The Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, but we cannot govern by imposing an Emergency. That is the Congress culture, not ours. We believe in dialogue and discussion,” Shah said.Asked whether the National Register of Citizens (NRC) would be implemented in Manipur using the 1951 baseline before the elections, and whether there was a deadline for its nationwide implementation, Shah said the government was discussing the issues with its colleagues and political parties in Manipur.“We are discussing both these matters with our colleagues as well as with the political parties in Manipur. As soon as any decision is taken, we will inform you,” he said.On tensions over language and regional identity linked to migration, Shah said the government’s policy was to give priority to the mother tongue, adding that the Constitution had laid down specific directives for states on the issue.\“It is our government’s policy to prioritise the mother tongue, and the Constitution has also issued specific directives to the states in this regard. I do not believe this will become a major issue. While isolated incidents may occur if certain individuals attempt to stoke tensions, the states have experienced leadership and will certainly find a way to resolve such issues,” Shah added.He also added that PM Modi was the first prime minister in six decades, since the early years after Independence, to be elected to office three times, calling it a reflection of his 25-year political record.Shah said the country had pursued a strong foreign and defence policy based on the principle of “India First”, while the economy had risen from being counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ to the world’s top five. He also cited 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter as evidence of India’s strong economic performance.Shah was addressing a press conference to announce the “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”, scheduled from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and his 25 years in public life in Gujarat and at the Centre.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
Shah said the BJP, its allies and people across the country would jointly organise the month-long campaign from September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.He said the BJP had earlier observed Modi’s birthday as ‘Seva Saptah’ from September 17 to October 2, while some places extended the celebrations for a week. However, this year’s celebrations would be special as Modi will complete 25 years in public office as chief minister and prime minister on October 7.