Mumbai: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan came under attack by ruling BJP for his remarks on ‘intolerance' which said there was a "deep political conspiracy" by the Congress to defame the country by harping on an atmosphere of intolerance.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain blasted on Aamir after the actor got support from Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties.
"Where will Aamir and his family go other than India," he wondered in response to the actor's remarks yesterday that his wife Kiran Rao had even suggested that they should probably leave the country.
"There is no other better country like India and no better neighbour than a Hindu for an Indian Muslim. What is the situation in Muslim countries and Europe. There is intolerance everywhere," Hussain, a national spokesperson of the BJP, told a press meet here.
"India is the most secular state where Muslims enjoy equal rights. In our country, an artist is not judged by his caste and religion but by his art," he said.
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Hussain said if Aamir feels the situation is so bad in the country and that he is contemplating to leave, he should convince us. "We are ready to debate," he added and wondered who is advising the actor.
Hussain also took a swipe at the Congress Vice President for coming out in support of Aamir Khan.
"This shows Congress complicity in the campaign to malign the country. Congress cannot tolerate an elected government and a popular Prime Minister. When the country is progressing under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Congress is creating an atmosphere to malign the country," he charged.
"Congress is responsible for the massacre of Sikhs and many communal riots. The party should not teach the country about tolerance and intolerance. Aamir Khan should know that this is incredible India and 'Atulya Bharat' and one should not do anything to malign the image.
"Aamir had gained respect, fame and wealth due to the love and respect of all Indians. When you become a star your comments may get you headlines and good coverage but they are used against the country by the enemies," he said.
Hussain said Aamir's comments show that he is not scared but was scaring others and the BJP rejects his charge.
Stop bullying' reach out to people: Rahul Gandhi to Modi govt
New Delhi: Amid growing concerns on the issue of intolerance, Rahul Gandhi today said it would be better for the government to stop "bullying, threatening and abusing" and instead reach out to the people.
"Instead of branding all those who question the Govt & Modiji- as unpatriotic, anti national or 'motivated' the Govt would do better to reach out to people to understand what's disturbing them".
"That's the way to solve problems in India- not by bullying, threatening & abusing!", the Congress Vice President said in a series of tweets.
Gandhi's remarks came a day after film actor Aamir Khan during an award function last evening in the national capital said he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidents and that his wife Kiran Rao had even suggested that they should probably leave the country.
Kejriwal 'admires' Aamir Khan for speaking up on intolerance
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has supported and "admired" Bollywood actor Aamir Khan for "speaking up" against growing intolerance and insecurity in the country, and asked the Centre for taking concrete steps to instill sense of security among people.
"Every word that @aamir_khan said is so true. I admire him for speaking up," Kejriwal tweeted.
Khan had said that he was "alarmed" by a number of "incidences" and that his wife had even suggested "leaving" the country, while addressing the audience of Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards function here yesterday.
The actor said he also feels that the sense of insecurity and fear has been growing in the past six or eight months.
Accusing BJP of "silencing" voices of dissent, Kejriwal asked the Centre to take concrete steps to instill security among the people.
"BJP shud stop silencing voices thro abuses n threats. Its high time centrl govt took concrete steps 2 instil sense of security amngst people," he wrote on Twitter.
(With inputs from PTI)
