Ayodhya, Kartarpur, Berlin: PM Modi harps on unity in address to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (November 9) invoked the fall of Berlin Wall as he urged people to come together to build a new India following the Supreme Court verdict in favour of the construction of Ram temple at a disputed site in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor.

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, exactly 30 years ago, marked the integration of the East and the West Germany, a pivotal event in world history. Invoking the landmark incident that brought together two contrasting ideologies, the prime minister said that the date (November 9) is about the message of integration and emerging victorious together.

“Today is November 9, the day when Berlin wall was brought down. Today the Kartarpur Corridor was also inaugurated. Now the Ayodhya verdict, so this date gives us the message to stay united and move forward,” Modi said.

Also read | Moment of fulillment for me: Advani welcomes Ayodhya verdict

The Supreme Court on Saturday pronounced its verdict in the politically-senstive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, paving the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The court also ordered that a five-acre land be given in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque. Meanwhile, the Kartarpur corridor was inaugurated earlier in the day and Prime Minister Modi flagged off the first batch of over 500 pilgrims who visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan through the corridor.

Addressing the nation after the Supreme Court verdict in the land dispute case, Modi said that the judgement has heralded a “new dawn” and should not be seen as win or loss for anybody, adding that India’s credo of unity in diversity was visible in its totality as all sections of society accepted the verdict with an open heart. During his address, he also referred to the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor.

Also read | Ayodhya verdict: Here are the key takeaways from the judgement

“With today’s verdict on Ayodhya, this date — November 9 teaches us the power of staying united and growing together. Today is about the message of integration and emerging victorious together,” he said, while invoking the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hailing the top court for delivering verdict on an important issue “which has a history of hundreds of years”, he pointed out that the entire country wanted the court to hear the matter daily and it happened.

“For the Indian judiciary, it is a golden day. The Supreme Court heard everyone with patience and delivered a unanimous verdict,” Modi said in his 11-minute-long address. He said the judges, the courts and the judicial processes should be greeted for their strong will.

Also read | ‘Talibani mindset’: Naqvi, Owaisi in war of words after Ayodhya verdict

Referring to the dispute, the prime minister said the judgment has heralded a “new dawn” for the people. “The dispute may have affected several generations, but after the judgment we have to take a pledge that the new generation will work for the creation of a new India with a fresh spirit,” he said.

“Today, the world has also realised how vibrant and strong our democracy is. After today’s verdict the manner in which every section of society, every community, every religion, the entire nation across the verdict with open arms. This is a manifestation of India’s ages-old ethos, culture, traditions as well as our inherent spirit of brotherhood,” he said.

Also read | How the legal battle to acquire Ayodhya land panned out over the years

He added that peace, unity and amity are essential for development of India and described November 9 as a day to forget any bitterness one may have.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister took to Twitter to assert that the judgment should not be seen as win or loss for anybody, and appealed to countrymen to maintain peace and harmony. In a series of tweets in Hindi and English, Modi also asserted that the judgment clearly illustrates that everybody is equal before the law.

The Honourable Supreme Court has given its verdict on the Ayodhya issue. This verdict shouldn’t be seen as a win or loss for anybody.

Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti, it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of Rashtra Bhakti.

May peace and harmony prevail!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 9, 2019

“Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti (devotion to Ram or Rahim), it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of rashtra bhakti (devotion to the country),” he said. Noting that the temple of justice (the apex court) has amicably concluded a matter going on for decades, he said the verdict will further strengthen people’s faith in the judicial system.

Also read | 40-day long Ayodhya hearing second longest in SC’s history

“The calm and peace maintained by 130 crore Indians in the run-up to today’s verdict manifests India’s inherent commitment to peaceful coexistence. May this very spirit of unity and togetherness power the development trajectory of our nation. May every Indian be empowered,” he said.

The calm and peace maintained by 130 crore Indians in the run-up to today’s verdict manifests India’s inherent commitment to peaceful coexistence.

May this very spirit of unity and togetherness power the development trajectory of our nation. May every Indian be empowered.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 9, 2019

Every side, every point of view was given adequate time and opportunity to express differing points of view, he said. “The judgment is notable as it highlights that any dispute can be amicably solved in the spirit of due process of law. It (the verdict) reaffirms the independence, transparency and farsightedness of our judiciary. May peace and harmony prevail,” he tweeted.