Opposition members in Rajya Sabha today expressed serious concern over reports that some Sangh Parivar leaders had allegedly sought to take "revenge" on the minority community for the killing of a VHP leader, with a nominated member making a fervent plea for preserving the unity and diversity of the country.
The government also condemned the reported statements in the House.
Making a Zero Hour mention, Anu Jha accused some Sangh Parivar members of recently giving a call for taking "revenge" on the minority community, terming them 'demons'.
"Such incidents should be stopped and condemned," she said, adding that "in a peace-loving Hindu dominated country, public statements by persons in responsibility goes against the inclusive ethos of the country."
At a condolence meeting in Agra for a VHP worker who was killed recently, speakers reportedly made inflammatory statements and swore to take revenge on the minorities.
Jha said such statements derailed the development agenda and appealed for forgetting differences and joining hands to preserve the unity, diversity and integrity of the country and restore sanity.
Several Opposition members supported her and raised their hands to associate with her.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said he agreed with Jha on maintaining unity and harmony and added no destructive agenda can dominate development agenda.
Naqvi said the government does not support such incidents and "we condemn it."
Madhusudan Mistry (Cong) raised the issue of RSS and BJP members reportedly throwing black ink on the statue of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on February 19 in Badaun town of Uttar Pradesh.
While Nehru went to jail for country's freedom, those who assisted the British and did not hoist national flag on RSS headquarters are now teaching nationalism, he said.
"Our leader is being given life threats by Rajasthan MLA and such statements are not even being condemned," he alleged and added that no action has been taken against those responsible from throwing ink at Nehru's statue.
He demanded that the SP government in UP be directed to take action.
When Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked if the government will seek report on the matter, the minister replied that it was a law and order issue which is a state subject.
Supporting Haque on adulteration, K K Ragesh (CPI-M) said
18.67 per cent samples collected of fruits and vegetables contained pesticide residues, which was alarming. He wanted the FSSAI to intervene and take necessary preventive steps.
Asking the Health Minister to pay special attention to the issue, Kurien said "Kindly note and take stringent action."
Senior SP leader Naresh Agrawal said every year 1.5 lakh people are killed in road accidents. He suggested that the National Highway Authority of India should earmark a part of the cess it collects towards road safety.
He pointed out that despite a decision that there would be a trauma centre every 50 kms on national highways, no action has been taken yet. Agrawal also sought helmets for two-wheeler riders to be made compulsary across the country.
Renuka Chowdhury (Cong) highlighted the problems faced by farmers in Telengana in getting bank loans and asked the government to extend the date for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna.
T Subbarami Reddy (also Congress) raised the issue of missing children, saying if the missing children are not traced, they become anti-social elements or made beggars.
Jharna Das Baidya (CPI-M) raised the issue of child trafficking in different parts of the country and asked the government to take steps not only to recover the missing children, but also prevent such incidents.
DMK member Kanimozhi highlighted the problem of bonded labour in the country.
Madhusudan Mistry of Congress raised the problems being faced by people affected by the construction of Narmada dam project in Gujarat.
BJP member Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe made a case for focussing on development of tourism to inculcate a sense of participation among people.
