Mahesh Sharma defends PM Modi's silence on Dadri case

Sharma said it is not necessary for the PM to speak on every issue

With the opposition mounting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioning his silence on the Dadri lynching incident, Union Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma on Thursday said it is not necessary for the former to speak on every issue.

"There are 60 ministers, who have their own responsibilities. Is it necessary for the Prime Minister to answer on everything?" Sharma told ANI here.

"The President of India has already expressed his feelings on the issue. The Home Minister and the Finance Minister have both commented on the Dadri incident, pointing out that incident like this is a blot on country's culture," he added.

Sharma further said that he was extremely pained to know about Uttar Pradesh Minority Affairs and Development Minister Azam Khan's decision to take the Dadri incident to the United Nations.

"The leaders sitting at different levels in the state are desperate to prove their stature, through their unfortunate remarks. When we are ready to discuss the Kashmir issue bilaterally, then why to take this (Dadri) case to the U.N," he added.

Facing flak for taking the Dadri incident to the United Nations, Azam Khan had yesterday hit back at his political opponents asking where were the 'thekedaars' of the society when Badaun case and those related to child labour were raised before the UN.

The BJP has demanded Khan's dismissal and said that he should be tried for treachery for taking the Dadri issue to the UN and tarnishing the image of the country at the global level.

The Uttar Pradesh Minister had earlier sought the UN's intervention to look into the miseries of minorities in India amidst outcry over lynching of 52-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri.