Aggressive Rahul targets Modi govt, Rajnath intervenes

In a speech laced with sharp criticism against the government, Gandhi said: “Today, protest means sedition in India.  In today’s India, staging a protest means attracting the charge of sedition.”

Gandhi in his 20-minute aggressive intervention in the debate was interjected by repeated objections from the treasury benches. “I request the government: please do not learn the wrong lessons from Pakistan,” he said, adding, “Pakistan’s weakness is their intolerance. Their leaders don’t hear the voices of their people. India is successful because we have embraced our people. Our strength is our tolerance.” 

Continuing his tirade against PM Narendra Modi, Gandhi said: “A Muslim man is killed in cold blood. The man ultimately responsible for his protection, the PM, remained silent.” He added, “The government talks of ‘Skill India’, yet when FTII students complain of a mediocre man placed on the top of the institute, the voice is crushed.” He also attacked the Gujarat model of governance.

Accusing Modi of being silent on the incidents of ‘intolerance’, Gandhi sought General VK Singh’s removal from the ministry. “Everyone in this room swore to protect the rights of our people. Where is VK Singh? A General who compared Dalit children to dogs,” he said.

Opening the adjourned debate earlier in the day, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju rejected the charge that BJP-ruled states had seen a rise in sectarian tensions – an oft-repeated made allegation by the Congress. Rijiju said that the number of communal incidents have declined “substantially” since the NDA government came to power.

Intervening the discussion, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the biggest victim of intolerance was the PM himself. “Intolerance has been displayed only thrice – partition, during Emergency and during the 1984 riots. The biggest victim of intolerance has been PM Modi himself. I assure you that anyone trying to disturb the social fabric of the country will not be spared.”