Modi says India first, Constitution first is the religion of his government

Under attack from opposition parties for his apparent failure to rein in Hindu fringe groups and prevent attacks on churches, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday made it clear that the religion of his government is " India first, Constitution first."

"The possibility of every community blossoming is something possible in India, we are unity in diversity. We all must join hands together to fight against poverty, irrespective of our religions. India first, Constitution first is the religion of my government," Modi said.

The prime minister was addressing the Parliament to conclude a two-day discussion concerning President Pranab Mukherjee's budget speech.

Opposition parties allege that Modi has maintained silence on communal remarks often made by Hindu fringe groups, some of which are linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh, and failed to prevent a series of attacks on churches in the national capital. Endi