New Delhi: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said there was an atmosphere of tension and violence in the country in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at a virtual event.
Ashok Gehlot was speaking at the launch event of 'Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav se Swarnim Bharat Ke Ore' virtually organised by Brahma Kumaris, PTI reported.
"There is a need to strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in the country because it is being seen that there is an atmosphere of tension and violence, and it is the desire of all to get rid of it," Gehlot said.
The remarks come amid outrage and criticism from various quarters following the religious events in Haridwar and Delhi where alleged hate speeches were made by some of the organisers.
The Congress veteran said that PM Narendra Modi gets respect when he visits other nations because India has progressed in 75 years in science, technology and other areas.
"We have a glorious history. As we are celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we should remember Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Saradar Patel, BR Ambedkar, Lokmanya Tilak, and other personalities who struggled to get us freedom, and because of them we have reached here in last 75 years after independence," PTI quoted Gehlot as saying.
Gehlot said the country and the society can progress only by walking on the path of truth and non-violence. "The development will happen where there is peace and this is what we believe in," he said.
At the event, PM Modi launched year-long initiatives by the Brahma Kumaris, which include more than 30 campaigns and over 15,000 programmes and events.
Delivering the keynote address, Modi said one's progress was aligned with the nation's progress and stressed the need for giving importance to one's duties for the country's rise.
"Speaking of rights may be right to some extent in certain circumstances but forgetting one's duties completely has played a huge role in keeping India weak," PM Modi said.
Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in India in 1937, the Brahma Kumari movement has spread to over 130 countries, PTI reported.