PM's new beginning: No tolerance to terror

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that with the constitution of 15th Lok Sabha elections the country has made a new beginning and that the mandate was for stability and change.

"Our government has received and accepted the mandate in all humility. We recognise that this mandate has given us heavy responsibility to give a strong purposeful government, a government committed to inclusive development," said Singh while replying to President Pratibha Patil's address to the Lok Sabha.

Taking a strong stand on terrorism Singh said that there would be “no tolerance to terror”.

"Massive efforts have begun to guard our maritime borders. As the President said, there will be zero tolerance to terrorism," said Singh pointing that after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack the government was determined to end terrorism.

"There is a climate where violence flourishes. It should be our objective to ensure that people are not carried away with social and economic discontent and join the ranks of the extremists," he said talking about the Naxal menace.

Commenting on the recent spate of racial attacks on Indians in Australia, Singh said that Indian will take up the matter at the highest level.

"I have been appalled by the senseless violence in Australia. I propose to engage authorities in Australia in a high level talks to find a solution. I have already spoken to the Prime Minister of Australia. Australian Prime Minister has assured me that strict action will be taken," said Singh.

Focussing on the social sectors, the Prime Minister claimed that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance would strengthen the flagship programme for employment, education and health.

He said that the government would not spare any effort to speed up the programmes.

"We will operate strictly on the basis of objectivity/. There will be no discrimination against states governed by Opposition parties in states. I invite chief minister of all states to be part of development council," said Singh.

"It was the dream of our Father of Nation to wipe out tears from each and every individual of our country. This is the inspiration that should drive our government in giving our people a life of dignity," he said.

Singh also hoped that the political parties would maintain the spirit of bipartisan when it came to national problems and concerns.

The Prime Minister said that "we must have the courage to address problems" and assured the House that the UPA Government was solemnly committed to social and economic development that must benefit all sections of community and all states.

He also spoke on the demand by certain states to grant them special states to deal with their backwardness.

"I assure Laluji (Lalu Prasad Yadav) and other members that backward states will get our prior attention in development," said Singh.

Projecting a rosy picture of the economy, Singh said that India could achieve eight-nine per cent economic growth despite global slowdown.

"No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," said Singh amid applause from treasury benches.

he also thanked the electorate and officials involved in conducting the massive exercise of Lok Sabha elections.

The successful conduct of elections and formation of government is a pride. We have proved all prophets of doom and gloom wrong. People marvel at a country of 1 billion people characterised by vast diversity of religious belief and castes. The nation is moving forward which has earned our country deep admirations. It's our bound duty to strengthen foundations of our magnificent country," he said.

But the Prime Minister also cautioned against the growing use of money and muscle power in elections.

"The growing uses of money and muscle power are developments which need to be tackled if we need to maintain the health of democratic set up," he added.

The inaugural session of the 15th Lok Sabha draws to a close on Tuesday.

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