AMN /
The Lok Sabha today witnessed heated exchanges soon after CPI(M) member Mohd. Salim levelled serious allegation against Home Minister Rajnath Singh as he began his speech on growing intolerance in the country.
Quoting from a magazine, Mr Salim said that Mr Singh had reportedly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Hindu leader heading the government at the Centre after 800 years. Home Minister took serious exception saying that he had not made any such remark. He said, he is deeply hurt by the allegation and asked the member to apologise to the House.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy also asked Mohd Salim to withdraw his remarks till its authenticity is proved. However, Mr Salim stuck to his stand and displayed the magazine in which the remarks were published. In the melee, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for an hour for lunch.
Earlier, the House took up discussion arising on the outcry of intolerance in the country. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan urged the members to discuss the matter constructively in a peaceful manner.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also sought suggestions from the members to deal with the incidents across the country. He, however, clarified that there is no intolerance in the country.
Initiating the discussion, Mohd. Salim said, there was a need for corrective measures to deal with the issue. Saying that democracy is all about debate and discussion, Mr Salim said the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to every citizen. Without making reference to anyone, he said, calling the incidents as manufactured is incorrect.