‘Finish off forcing trying to divide country’: PM Modi’s message on Dussehra

Ram temple in Ayodhya marks the victory of people's patience, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to root out the forces trying to divide the country in the name of casteism and regionalism.

Speaking at a Dussehra event at Dwarka in Delhi, Modi said the festival should also mark the burning of ideologies which are not about India's development but about fulfilling selfish interests.

"We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those ideologies that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism,” he said.

Modi’s remarks are seen as an apparent swipe at the opposition parties who have been demanding a caste census in states and across the country. The Congress party has even announced that it will conduct a caste survey if it comes to power in the five states that are going to polls in November.

With the 10-day Durga Puja festival being marked with Ramlila, the prime minister highlighted the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a testament to the power of people’s patience.

"We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at his birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries,” Modi said.

‘Take 10 pledges’

The prime minister urged people to take 10 pledges, including helping at least one poor family to raise its socio-economic status, on this auspicious day.

Saving water, digital transactions, cleanliness, vocal for local, quality work, domestic tourism, natural farming, consumption of millets and fitness were among the other causes Modi highlighted in his speech.

“Vijaydashami is a festival of victory of justice over injustice, of humility over arrogance and patience over anger,” he said.