Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today asked the media to play "constructive role" in nation building even as he urged the Opposition to allow the Parliament to function during the next part of Budget session.
"Democracy should be allowed to function effectively. Allow legislature to function, discuss debate and decide but not dissolve," he said while addressing 7th Edition of 'India Pride Award' by Dainik Bhaskar Group.
Stating that the government and the Opposition need to work together, he asserted that the government was "ready to walk extra mile and take the Opposition along".
"I say in Parliament also, I propose, you oppose and let the House despose...But one should be allowed to function. Everybody needs to be positive and that is the need of the the hour," he said.
Stating that agenda of 21st century is development, he said media should play constructive role and put news on the basis of merit.
"Bharat Mata ki jai has also been in controversy. Bharat Mata is not Hindu, Muslim, Christian, backward or forward. It mean land and includes all the people of the land. They get more publicity by talking nonsense. Media should not allow this nonsense. Importance should be given on merit," he said.
"What is happening now is that development is no news but destruction is news. Tearing the papers, going to Well of the House, creating non sense, you will be on box item of the front page of the newspaper. (That's why) going to Well of the House has become fashion for some of the people. Media has to play constructive role," he said.
He said entire world is looking at India which has got highest ranking from the World Bank, ADB and World Economic Forum.
"When the world economy is going down, India is the only bright spot in entire world and we must take advantage of the scene by taking economic activity," he said.
Meanwhile, he also complimented Dainik Bhaskar Group for extending to 62 editions in 14 states in 4 languages in short span of time.
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Earlier in the day, Naidu also met HRD minister Prakash
Javadekar. During the meeting, Naidu invited Javadekar for the Krishna river Kumbh mela.
Krishna River Pushkaram will be held from August 12 to 23.
