Modi is neither communal nor a dictator: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi by saying that the country knows that the PM is neither a dictator nor communal.

His comments came after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today alleged discrimination by saying that the opinions of his party are not being heard in the Parliament and that the new government does not encourage any form of discussion over any issue.

Rahul Gandhi also said that only one man's voice counts in Parliament.

The Union Home Minister, however, told reporters, "The country knows that the Prime Minister is neither a dictator nor communal. If such were the case, he would have not gotten such a huge mandate from the people of the country."

Singh also commented on the ruckus in the Lok Sabha led by Congress leaders while demanding a debate on the rising incidents of communal violence across the country through an adjournment motion.

He said, "It is the matter of the house. The speaker will take notice if she wills so."

Earlier today, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had complained of discrimination by saying, "It is one-sided partiality that is what we are raising. I have raised my voice many times in the parliament. We are not being allowed to speak."

"We are asking for discussions but this government does not want or accept discussions. Only one man's voice is being heard," he added.

Gandhi said this after protesting in the well of the Lok Sabha today with other Congress leaders.

BJP leaders, including Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu and party general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy, were quick to lash out against the Congress.

Naidu said, "I won't take anyone's name, but I am sad at the way Congress is behaving in Lok Sabha. I can't understand why the Congress is behaving like this; we had agreed to discuss all issues. People have given us majority, Congress should accept the verdict or it will prove to be costly for them in future."

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, too, stated that what Gandhi had said was a result of pure frustration.

"Rahul Gandhi has spoken about the speaker which is not at all accepted. It depicts utter frustration from their part. He has given a statement against the nature of law," said Rudy.

"He is the face of the party and if he is not following the rules, it shows that they are trying to get into the frame by any means," he added.