From correspondents in Delhi, India, 01:31 PM IST

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised Tuesday that his Congress-led government would not discriminate against any state, including those ruled by rival parties.

He told a joint session of parliament that his government would 'operate strictly on the basis of objectivity' while dealing with states and Panchayati Raj institutions.

He urged all chief ministers to work together in the National Integration Council to earnestly implement the various development programmes.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)