End casteism, regionalism: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to finish off forces trying to divide the country with casteism and regionalism, saying Dasara should also mark the burning of ideologies which are not about India's development but about fulfilling selfish interests.

Addressing a huge gathering at a Dasara event here, he said the festival should not be confined to the burning of Ravana's effigies and Lord Ram's victory over the demon but also mark the triumph of patriotism over every evil in the country. The prime minister's comments were an apparent swipe at opposition parties whom he has repeatedly accused of seeking to divide the country in the name of caste and region to draw political mileage.

"We should pledge to end social ills and discrimination," he said, adding that every evil which disturbs the social harmony should be burnt as well. With the 10-day Durga Puja festival being marked with Ramlila, Modi noted that a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya and said it is everyone's good fortune that they are witness to it after a wait of centuries.