Obama sent a clear message on religious tolerance to BJP-led govt.: Manish Tewari

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Wednesday said U.S. President Barack Obama had sent a clear message to the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre that recent incidents have put a strain on India's espoused philosophy of religious tolerance, adding that if the country had any threat, it was from 'within'.

"President Barack Obama sent a very clear message to the BJP-led NDA Government. The way things are going on is straining religious tolerance in India. If India has any threat, it is from within," said Tewari.

Tewari also condemned BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for accusing Muslims and Christians of brutalising Hindus.

"[Swamy's statement] shows that he does not believe in the idea of secularism and socialism," he said.

Earlier in the day, Swamy had criticised President Obama for his Town Hall speech, stating that Washington DC should not lecture India on religious tolerance. He had also accused Muslim and Christian minorities of brutalising Hindus.