Oppn asks govt to take steps to check intolerance

Opposition members today claimed there were rising cases of intolerance in the country and asked the government to take steps to ensure that citizens are treated equally and no one is targeted on the basis of religion, caste or creed.
Members of BSP, NCP, Congress and other parties sought to corner the government in Rajya Sabha over alleged incidents of intolerance and its reaction in the society, as witnessed in the return of awards by intellectuals, writers and artistes, saying the majority should not discriminate against the minority.
Participating in the debate on 'Commitment to the Constitution', BSP chief Mayawati attacked the government on "intolerance, communalism and anarchy" in the country, saying the government was not paying attention to it.

She said various incidents including Dadri killing, repeatedly raised questions over the government's commitment to the Constitution.
She debunked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the debate in the Lok Sabha and dared him to take action against his own ministerial and party colleagues, who she alleged were making "provocative" remarks.
"People from BJP and affiliated Hindu organisations keep on making controversial indignified remarks. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the head of the government, keeps silent," Mayawati said.

Praful Patel (NCP) said the administration cannot remain quiet saying these were "stray incidents" and added that individual views will be reflected as government's views if these were not contradicted properly.

"Therefore you have to take care of them," he said, adding that "the right balance should be drawn and the right steps be taken so that nobody witnesses intolerance in the country".
Citing Ambedkar's past speeches, Patel said "it is wrong for majority to deny minorities their rights" as all should be treated equally and it is "wrong on the part of ministers to perpetuate themselves".
"A solution should be found so that all are treated as equals.... As Ambedkar had said 'it is the duty of majority not to discriminate against minorities'...We will have to go back to history and see what he had said. If you do not espouse and live with the spirit of democracy, it will be a farce in the name of democracy," Patel said.

Calling for strengthening democracy, Patel said it is not
a good thing to discuss about minorities and such incidents do not reflect well on country. He also said that people should not think about their personal political gains but talk about the nation's interests. He said that there are going to be change of governments till people get financial independence.
Mayawati also demanded action against Minister V K Singh for his remarks on the killing of Dalit children in Haryana.
Without naming Aamir Khan whose remarks on intolerance have led to a controversy, the BSP chief said she holds the government more responsible for the row than the actor.

Congress member Ashwani Kumar said "the question is to remain within the limits of politics. The Muslim community is ready to die for the country and they should be respected."
He urged the government to protect the right of freedom of speech of every citizen, saying, "We have different kind of anarchy...And it is increasing. You are creating an atmosphere where nobody has courage to express their views. Self respect is at stake. Don't take away the rights from people."
K T S Tulsi (Nominated) said liberal and secular values of this country has made it a great nation and expressed surprise that the Home Minister was not outraged by intolerance but by secularism. He also claimed that Indian Muslims have been loyal and patriotic citizens because of secularism.

"Indian Muslims have not been against the country. A few aberrations cannot be taken as an act of disloyalty. The Indian Muslim has not come from anywhere and have lived here for centuries and have no place to go anywhere. I am pained ... When some ministers or Chief Ministers say India is made for Hindus," he said.
Tulsi said a few incidents did create a sense of fear among sensitive artistes and they expressed their dissent in the form of returning the awards.
"I am disappointed with the political stance given to the satyagraha of poets, writers, historians on intolerance. Physical actions can never be an answer to intolerance...

"A political twist is given to return of awards, as the tipping point for them was the brutal killing of a man at Dadri on rumours. They are protesting now because the tipping point has reached," he said.
Asking the government to engage with writers and not write them off, he said "understand them, but don't abuse them of a manufactured protest".