NEW DELHI--In what can be termed as the strongest message from the government on the 'growing intolerance' debate yet, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in a series of tweets, assured the nation that if anyone tries to disturb the communal harmony in the country, "they will not be spared".
I wish to assure the nation that if anyone tries to disturb the communal harmony in our country they will not be spared
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) December 1, 2015
While the opposition leaders have been questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over incidents like Dadri mob lynching, Singh is the first leader from the government to have responded on it in unequivocal terms.
The Home Minister said that the government is ready to discuss the intolerance debate. "The doors of this government are open for any discussion over tolerance or intolerance with those who have misgivings about our functioning," he said.
Rajnath Singh appealed to all MPs and the people of the country to join hands in "strengthening the spirit of tolerance."
I appeal to all MPs and the people of this country to join hands in strengthening the spirit of tolerance.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) December 1, 2015
The doors of this government are open for any discussion over tolerance or intolerance with those who have misgivings about our functioning
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) December 1, 2015
The minister also requested the artists, scientists, authors and others who have returned their awards in protest to take them back.
I also appeal to the artists, literary people, scientists and others who have returned the award to kindly take their awards back.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) December 1, 2015
Prime Minister Modi didn't speak on the alleged growing intolerance while talking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
"There are many excuses to be divided, but we should look for reasons to be united," PM Modi said in the Rajya Sabha, replying to a discussion on the Constitution.
On Monday, Singh had said that the government will seek suggestions from MPs on what they say is "growing intolerance" in the country.
"We would like to have suggestions on how to stop it, from members who think intolerance is growing," he said in the Lok Sabha, adding the government felt there was no such problem.
He said the government view was that intolerance was not rising in India but he would accept suggestions from the members who felt otherwise.
Speaking in Lok Sabha on Tuesday evening, Singh said that the biggest victim of intolerance was Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
"Intolerance has been displayed only thrice -- partition, during emergency and during 1984 riots. The biggest victim of intolerance has been PM Modi himself. I assure you that anyone trying to disturb the social fabric of the country will not be spared."
He further said that the Dadri reports that were submitted did not mention beef or communalism. "When we found out about Dadri we immediately asked UP Govt for a report, a report which had no mention of beef or communalism," he said.
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