PM Narendra Modi's 'mantra of ekta' - Watch

PM Narendra Modi concluding the debate in the Rajya Sabha to mark the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of BR Ambedkar

New Delhi: As the debate over intolerance continues to create furore across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Rajya Sabha and said it is easy to get divided but instead opportunities must be sought to unite.

Replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha on the Constitution, Modi underlined the 'mantra of ekta', saying there can be "many excuses for disintegration" in a diverse country like India but ways should be explored to keep the country united.

The Prime Minister said any incident of "atrocity" is a "blot" on the society as well as the nation whose "pain" should be felt by all and asserted that unity and harmony is the only way to take the country forward.

He said no questions can be raised over patriotism of any of the 125 crore Indians and nobody needs to produce a "certificate of patriotism", a statement that assumes significance as some people have make controversial remarks like asking dissenting people to 'go to Pakistan'.

The top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said he had thought of a programme to push national integration - "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" - under which every state can observe a year dedicated to another state.

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