The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the country's "most secular party", Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.
The minister stated this at a media briefing while commenting on the issue of "intolerance".
In what appeared to be a softening of the party's position vis-a-vis writers and artistes returning their awards, Rajanth Singh described them as "intellectuals".
"We will take all suggestions (from them) very seriously. These people returning awards are intellectuals of the country. We will welcome their suggestions," he said.