GOA SHOWS WAY ON COMMUNAL HARMONY: MODI ON VISIT TO STATE

Goa sets a fine example of communal harmony and social progress for the rest of the country to follow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, praising the people for voting in a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and giving a befitting reply to the political parties that "wish to divide on the basis of religion".

- Gerard de Souza

Goa a perfect example of communal harmony: PM

PANAJI: "The Christian community and other religions are living in peace and harmony. It is an example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (one India, best India) for the rest of the country to follow. Goa is small in size but ranks among the highest in social development. It is socially diverse and people of different societies and religions have been coexisting in peace for several generations," Modi said during a day-long visit to the state.

"That such an educated and harmonious state like Goa keeps voting for the BJP sends a message to the whole country that the BJP's mantra really is sabka saath, sabka vikas (with everybody, for everybody's development)," the Prime Minister said.

"Many parties are trying to sell lies to the people. But Goa has repeatedly given a befitting reply that the BJP's model is one of good governance."