andalib akhter /

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today assured the country that anyone trying to disrupt social and religious harmony will not be spared. Replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on rising incidents of intolerance in the country, Home Minister said India was the most tolerant country in the world.

Mr Singh said, intolerance was a serious issue and it would be suicidal for the growth of the country. He said, in fact, the biggest victim of intolerance has been the BJP as a party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a person.

During the course of his speech, Mr Singh clarified that Narendra Modi led government is intolerant towards corruption, unclean surroundings, terrorism and violence against women. Referring to the Dadri incident, the Home Minister said, when the incident took place, the Centre immediately issued advisory to the Uttar Pradesh Government and sought a report in this regard. He said, the report received by the Home Ministry has no mention of beef and communal angle. Mr Rajnath Singh said, the Centre is ready to order a CBI probe if the State government recommends. He also expressed readiness to have a CBI inquiry into the killing of rationalist M M Kalburgi if Karnataka government wants.

Home Minister said, 39 persons who have returned their awards recently in protest of so called intolerance were silent during 1984 riots and Emergency. He appealed to them to take back their awards and suggest measures to the government on the issue. On the alleged remarks of Union Minister V K Singh in connection with the killing of dalit children, Home Minister said he himself has given a clarification that his statement was twisted. Accusing the opposition of the manufactured intolerance, Mr Singh also appealed that all should respect the mandate of the people.