Took 70 years to remove what was temporary: Modi

Taking an indirect jibe at his political opponents, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invoked Ram and Krishna to refer to the abrogation of Article 370 and said it was ironical that a country with such strong cultural heritage had taken 70 years to eliminate a temporary provision.

"There is no scope for temporary in India. You would have seen how a country of 1.25 billion people, the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Gautam Buddha, Ram, Krishna took 70 years to remove what was temporary. I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this," the PM said while addressing the Indian community at the UNESCO headquarters here.

He added that India was now marching towards its goals based on principles of reform, perform and transform.

Modi appreciated the role of the Indian community in France in strengthening bilateral ties. "Your contribution is integral to Indo-French ties. You are the representatives, the voice and the identity of India in France. I hope that you would continue to strengthen this voice here," he said.

"Your achievements make us proud. Many Indians are members of the French Parliament. This fills us with pride. I am happy that you have adopted and learnt about the French laws and culture without letting go of your core Indian values," he added.

The Prime Minister also greeted the gathering on the occasion of Janmashtami and said he had heard that Ganesh Chaturthi was a prominent festival in Paris. "I have heard that Paris transforms into a mini India on the occasion. We will hear 'Ganpati Bappa' soon," he said.