It's a very special Vijayadasami, says Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this year’s Vijayadasami — a festival that marks the victory of good over evil — is “very special” for the country, in an apparent reference to India’s successful military action against terrorists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He said that a “very capable” armed force is a must for a strong nation.

“We will celebrate Vijayadasami (on Tues-day). This year’s Vijayadasami is very special for the country,” he said, evoking a thunderous applause from the audience at a function at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi.

“Being strong does not mean being against anyone. If we exercise for our strength, the neighbour need not worry (thinking) that it is to target him,” the PM said in an oblique reference to Pakistan and India’s effort to modernise its military.

Tension between the neighbours soared after the September 18 Uri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists that led to surgical strikes by India across the LoC, with the two armies exchanging fire across the LoC.

The PM released a compendium of 15 books on the life and teachings of former Jana Sangh chief Deendayal Upadhyay whose birth centenary year is being celebrated by the BJP.

Modi wants to continue Upadhyay’s governance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this year’s Vijaya Dasami is “very special” for the country. Quoting Mr Upadhyay, Mr Modi said that an exceptionally strong military was needed for a strong nation. “In today’s time of competitiveness, the nation should be capable and strong,” he said.

Referring to Upadhyay, he said even Ram Manohar Lohia spoke about the Jana Sangh leader’s efforts that led to the evolution of an alternative to Congress in 1967. The Prime Minister said as a tribute to Upadhyay, who talked of integral humanism, his government was making the poorest of the poor the focus of schemes evolved by it.