Chidambaram asks people to have a 'broader' thinking

Madurai: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said people should start thinking about what was good for the country and people with a "broader" outlook than thinking "narrowly" as to what was good for one's own state, panchayat, community and religion.

Speaking at the 110th birthday celebrations of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Kamaraj, he said "when it comes to between the state and country, one should think about what is good for the country and what is good for the welfare of the people, apparently referring to issues including river water disputes, raised by certain states.

"That is what Kamaraj, who made two Prime Ministers and two Presidents of the country did. Such was his greatness and broad mindedness", Chidambaram said.

One should think about what is good for the country and what is good for the welfare of the people, Chidambaram said.

"At least Congressmen should think like that. They should not fall a prey to parochial attitude. We should not have a narrow attitude and remain within a circle. We should have a broad outlook and attitude" he said.

"If everybody started thinking only about their own state only, panchayat, community and religion, then what would happen to India", he asked.

"There is nothing wrong to love one's state and district and even religion. But when it comes to what is first...country should be first in the mind " he said.

Kamaraj had a long political career and he was a colossus personality in Indian politics like Rajaji and other great leaders of the nation, he said.

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