Concerned over the ‘intolerance’ debate, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said disagreement should be expressed through debate and discussion without letting emotions “overrun reason”, while Union Minister VK Singh created a controversy by saying the issue is an “unnecessary” creation of very imaginative minds being “paid with a lot of money.”
“Sensitive minds sometimes get disturbed by some incidents in society. But, expression of concern over such events should be balanced. Emotions should not overrun reason, and disagreement should be expressed through debate and discussion,” said the President while addressing an event organised by the Press Council of India.
“We must, as proud Indians, have confidence in the idea of India and the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution. India has always been able to self-correct whenever such a need has arisen,” he added. Although the President did not refer to any particular incident, his comments assume significance as these came against the backdrop of certain cases which were seen as reflection of ‘intolerance.’ In a democracy, he said, various challenges will emerge from time to time and these should be addressed collectively. “We must ensure that the letter and spirit of the law always remains a living reality,” he added.
Meanwhile BJP leader and Minister of State for External Affairs, General (Retired) VK Singh said, “This particular debate (on intolerance) is no debate. It is the unnecessary creation of very imaginative minds who are being paid with a lot of money.”
“When the Delhi (Assembly) elections took place, suddenly we found a spate of articles and a lot of hysteria that was created that churches are being attacked, the Christian community is being isolated etc,” he said responding to a question on intolerance in India. “A small incidence of theft in a church was depicted as an attack on church. Why? Because there was somebody who was trying to garner the votes, and the media was playing the ball. Whether it was being paid or not paid, I do not know. That’s a decision or opinion that you have to make,” he added.
“Same is (the case with) this intolerance debate. The moment Bihar elections are over everything is gone. So let’s not unnecessarily do things, which are wrong. All these people who were talking of intolerance and I would like you to put it down in your papers what happened when a Gandhian (Anna Hazare) in his 70s protesting against corruption was picked up in the middle of a night and put into Tihar (Jail). Which was the government in place at that time?” said the minister.
Home Minister Rajnath had attempted to mend fences with award returnees after the recent Bihar debacle calling them to engage with government. The former Army chief’s comments have put the government in a spot.