No space for vandalism in democracy: Arun Jaitley

He further condemned incidents of intolerance, saying it is against the traditions of our culture

A day after President Pranab Mukherjee expressed concern over the rising incidents of intolerance in the country, the government today said that such incidents can't be tolerated.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said differences should be conveyed in a "restrained manner" and that public acts of vandalism was "disturbing" as it encourages more people to follow suit.

The comments come after recent spate of violence against Muslims across the country over cow slaughter and beef consumption rumours. 

Condemning these incidents, Jaitley said that it is against our culture. He said publicising the acts of vandalism is also a matter of great concern.

Speaking to reporters, he added, "Incidents of intolerance are condemnable...In democracy there could be differences, but restraint should be exercised and vandalism should be criticised. No place for violence in democracy."

"It is possible that in a big country like India that there are divergent views. But there has to be a proper way of discussing and debating these views," he said.

Jaitley said that the "level of debate must be raised" rather than the use of vandalism.

"It is disturbing when these acts of vandalism are increasingly publicised. People are encouraged to use similar methods," he said.

Jaitley said there are some "sensitive issues" such as "the relationship between communities, Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring countries. Everyone should be careful."

He said that no member of the Bharatiya Janata Party "resorted to such methods".

"The party president has strongly taken it up. The prime minister conveyed his views, all of them have spoken," he added, referring to party president Amit Shah, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pulling up party leaders and parliament members for making controversial statements over beef consumption.