Modi must break silence on intolerance: Maharashtra Leader of Opposition

Maharashtra's Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the growing issue of intolerance which is assuming serious proportions day by day.

In a statement, the veteran Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly said that in the recent past, intolerance has vitiated the country's atmosphere with artistes and litterateurs experiencing a sense of fear.

"The PM's silence over the issue is making it more serious with each passing day. It is time for him to speak out and try to understand why the artistes-literary figures are feeling insecure," Vikhe-Patil said.

Referring to Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's statements on Monday, Vikhe-Patil said he was "not wrong" as an atmosphere of terror was being felt in the country.

Moreover, many literary figures have returned their government awards and attempts are being made by certain forces to further vitiate the atmosphere and Modi's silence was making them bolder.

"However, since the majority of people of the country are secular-minded and tolerant, they will teach them a lesson at the appropriate time.

"Aamir Khan's statement is of an extreme nature and all must unite to fight such forces seriously given the present situation," Vikhe-Patil said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday declined to comment on Aamir Khan's remarks, while Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam termed the comments as "treason" and said the actor was welcome to go to Pakistan if he felt so insecure in India.