New Delhi/Patna: Even as the Opposition and the intelligentsia wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on the issue of growing intolerance, he did so in his own style, hitting back at the Opposition Congress by raising the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
In a counter-attack, the Congress accused him of causing "lasting damage" to the country's social fabric and said his remarks were "politically motivated" and aimed at reopening wounds after 31 years.
Speaking at a rally in Bihar, Mr Modi asked the Congress whether they “recall” the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His remarks came a day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi voiced concern about intolerance. The Congress is holding a protest march from Parliament to Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 3 against the growing incidents of intolerance and attacks on rationalists.
“Today is November 2. Do you recall 1984? Lakhs of Sikhs were massacred in Delhi and across India on the second, third and fourth day of Indira Gandhi’s killing in which serious allegations were made against the Congress and its leaders. Today, on the same day, the Congress party is giving a lecture on the issue of tolerance. Doob maro, doob maro (drown in shame). This does not behove you... “
