Sunday, August 21 2005 16:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (August 21, 2005) showered encomiums on Left parties saying they have made immense contributions in strengthening secularism in the country.

Deviating from his prepared speech at a seminar here on 'Press and the Nation', Singh praised communist parties for strengthening the foundations of democracy and helping others rise above the 'narrow considerations of caste.'

"India cannot remain a cohesive nation if it departs from secular ideals enshrined in the constitution," he said after inaugurating the national seminar organised by 'Prajasakti', a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Telugu daily here.

Pointing out how caste and sub-caste considerations had come to dominate the country's political discourse, the Prime Minister said, "It is left parties that taught us to rise above these considerations and strengthen the foundations of democracy."

"Although I do not regard myself as a liberal in terms of social philosophy, I do recognise that Marxism attaches great importance to tackling problems of mass poverty and commitment to social justice. These insights of Marxism must guide any development policy design," Singh said.