PM Modi praises Nehru, talks about the government's religion in Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech following the Constitution debate on Friday, 27 November, said that there was no question of the Indian Constitution being reviewed. He further clarified that 'majority' cannot thrust its views upon all in Parliament.

But that wasn't the only unusual part of his speech.

PM Modi praised Jawaharlal Nehru while talking about his contribution in creating India. He acknowledged that Nehru was great to have accepted a point made by opposition in Parliament, a feat that he believes comes out of the feeling that Parliament is 'family'.

The Prime Minister also appreciated Sonia Gandhi's speech, who had earlier pointed out to Home Minister Rajnath Singh that whether the government like it or not, Congress had an integral role in drafting of our Constitution. "It's history," said a smiling Mrs Gandhi.

Continuing on his 'Parliament has many voices' streak, Modi further stressed upon how India is plural and how the government has a sole religion -- that of 'India first'.

"For the government, the only 'dharma' is 'India first, the only 'dharma granth' (holy book) is the Constitution," he said.

This, of course, comes as a reaction to the intolerance debate and minority community voices flagging the issue. While Modi didn't directly address that debate, he made it a point to talk about the need for debate.

He then proceeded to talk about how the Lok Sabha is inclusive. Discussions in the Lok Sabha, according to the Prime Minister, involve 'us' and not 'me' or 'you'.

The PM's speech lasted over 70 minutes, at the end of which, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had no time left for a Q&A session. The Parliament has been adjourned till Monday, 27 November, 11:15 AM.