PM: Family-based parties a threat to democracy

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said family-based parties were a threat to democracy and called for a national awakening in this regard. He, however, clarified that more than one person entering politics from a family didn’t make it dynastic. “Parties for the family, by the family are a concern,” he said.

In wide ranging remarks on Constitution Day celebrations in the Central Hall of Parliament, which the Congress-led opposition boycotted today, the PM also questioned public glorification of corruption convicts by politicians asking if this was the society they wanted the youth to inherit.

MPs defender of dignity of Parliament

Parliament is a temple of democracy. Hence, it becomes the responsibility of all parliamentarians to conduct themselves in this temple with the same spirit of reverence with which they do in their places of worship. —Ram Nath Kovind, President

Describing the Executive and the Judiciary as “twins” born out of the same Constitution, the PM emphasised the need to show collective resolve in tune with the spirit of the Constitution and two complement each other in realising the dreams of the common man.

The PM’s offensive was against dynastic parties, including the Congress, as he questioned generational controls of single families over political outfits. “When political parties lose their own democratic character, how will they protect democracy in the country? From Kashmir to Kanyakumari today, India is headed towards a danger which is a concern for people dedicated to the Constitution. And this danger is — party for the family, party by the family,” said the PM. In veiled attack on the opposition, he said Constitution Day was a day to salute Dr BR Ambedkar and the celebrations had not been organised by the BJP.

Calligraphed version of Constitution

The President on Friday released the digital version of Parliament debates and the calligraphed version of the Constitution saying the youth would benefit from both.