Hindutva agenda is not an example of tolerance; Opposition tells govt

New Delhi: The Left and Congress on Friday attacked the government on the issue of intolerance saying the Hindutva agenda is not an example of tolerance and the country will not move forward with majoritarianism.

Rejecting the charge, the Government said tolerance is the essence of India's culture and values and the country belongs equally to Hindus and Muslims or any other religion. It alleged that the "so-called" intellectuals with Left ideology were "giving lessons on intolerance" as they were unable to digest BJP's victory.

Congress and Left claimed the Bihar poll verdict was the result of the Narendra Modi Government's "skewed policies" and a "reverse wave" has started against BJP, which rejected it saying the opposition is unable to digest its victory.

"Waves don't stop, they keep moving. They have now started in the reverse against BJP. Narendra Modi and BJP promised the moon to people of the country before polls and they are feeling cheated today as none of the promises were fulfilled," Congress leader Anand Sharma said while participating in a debate on "Has Modi wave waned?" at an 'Agenda AajTak' event.

Sharma also asked the government to hear out those who returned their awards over the issue of intolerance.

Attacking the government, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said its policies were not right and it has been proved by the results of Bihar Assembly election and Gujarat civic poll. She alleged that the government's priorities do not include the poor and the marginalised.

"If intolerance and majoritarianism is brought in, then how will India move forward. You are not an example of tolerance. Your Hindutva agenda is not an example of tolerance," she said.

Citing the example of a question on intolerance asked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a press conference in London, she said, "First time in decades the Prime Minister had to answer such a question at an international press conference."

Countering them, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the "so-called intellectuals" with Left leanings for tarnishing the country's image by raising the issue of intolerance.

"Tolerance is the very essence of India. It is part of our culture and values. This country belongs equally to Hindus, Muslims or Christians or any other religion. But suddenly so-called intellectuals are trying to tarnish India's image by talking of intolerance. What worries us is that they are unable to digest our victory and that is why they are giving us lessons on intolerance," he said.

He added that earlier it was all parties against the Congress, now all are against the BJP. "This is our victory," he said.