New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked his ministers to strongly refute Opposition leaders on their controversial comments on Sanatana Dharma and expose them.
However, he told his ministerial colleagues to avoid the political row around the Bharat name issue, noting that it has been the country's ancient name, according to sources.
Modi spoke on the issues during his interaction with the Union council of ministers, during which he also spoke about preparedness for the G20 meeting.
Speaking on the political row after DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin blamed Sanatana Dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people and said it should be eradicated, Modi said parties and leaders behind such statements should be exposed and the truth brought before people.
A source said Modi spoke positively of Sanatana Dharma’s endurance over the millennia and asked ministers to strongly refute the suggestions made by Opposition leaders.
With the government accused of violating the Constitution after Droupadi Murmu was addressed as the “President of Bharat” and Modi as the “Prime Minister of Bharat”, ministers were asked to avoid joining the debate.
Government sources have insisted that the Constitution itself refers to the country as India as well Bharat and accused opposition parties of stoking an unwarranted row over the matter.
