GANDHINAGAR: Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said India remains ahead of other democratic countries in terms of freedom of expression and safety and security of minorities.

He also said some hostile forces were trying to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the society, but the Narendra Modi government would not allow any "destructive agenda to dominate development agenda".

"India's beauty lies in its cultural heritage and social harmony. But some elements want to disturb this fabric," the Union minister of state for minority affairs and parliamentary affairs said at an event here.

"We all need to come together to defeat such elements. The Modi government will not allow any destructive agenda to dominate our development agenda. The government is committed to empowering minorities," he was quoted as saying in a release.

Accusing opposition parties of trying to give a communal colour to criminal incidents, he stressed that minorities are safe and secure in India, "more than many other countries".

"In their desperation and depression, they are misusing religion, community and caste issues for their narrow political interests," he alleged.

He said secularism was in the "DNA of Indians and India's uniqueness lies in its unity in diversity - 'sarva dharma sadbhav'".

India remains ahead of other democratic countries in terms of freedom of expression. "But this freedom should not lead people to commit acts that end up helping people who are acting against national interests," the minister said.

During the event, the minister handed over cheques to the beneficiaries of the programmes of the Gujarat Minority Development and Finance Corporation (GMDFC).

As many as 535 beneficiaries, including differently-abled persons, were given Rs 4.87 crore for business and education.

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India ahead of other democracies in terms of freedom of expression: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi - Economic Times