New Delhi : Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan’s remarks on the rise in intolerance in the country reeks of a conspiracy to defame India, the BJP said on Tuesday.
“Aamir makes a comment and Rahul Gandhi supports it. It has become clear from Gandhi’s comment that there is a conspiracy going on in the country to defame the nation,” Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said at a press conference here.
He questioned Aamir Khan, asking “who is giving you all the advice”.
“For the Muslims in India, no other country can be better than India; no neighbours could be better than the Hindus. Wherever you go, apart from India, you will find intolerance. India is the most tolerant country. Why do you want to leave India? If you have any problem, come to us. We can debate. Convince us that the atmosphere in the country has become such that it is impossible to stay here,” he said.
Speaking at the Ramnath Goenka Awards function here on Monday, Aamir said: “For the last six to eight months, there has been a growing despondency…. Kiran (Rao) and I have lived all our life in India. When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, for the first time she said, ‘Should we move out of India?’ Now that’s a very disastrous and a big comment to make to me.”
The actor said his wife feared for their child’s safety. “That indicates there is a sense of growing disquiet, despondency apart from alarm,” he said.
On Tuesday, Hussain reminded Aamir that “India gave you all the laurels and respect”.
“There is a sense of peace and brotherhood in the country, which cannot be compared with any part of the world,” he said.
“When you become a big star, your remarks are misused on the platforms of rival countries. Your remarks can draw publicity and can become headlines. But such comments can also defame the country. This is an incredible India. One should not tarnish its image,” the BJP leader added.
“Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should not speak about tolerance or intolerance. They are responsible for the killing of thousands of Sikhs in 1984. Our prime minister said in Malaysia that terrorism should not be linked with religion. This is the strongest statement that one can make. The Congress is in the habit of defaming the country, when it is progressing towards development,” said Hussain.