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#AwardWapsi is a sign of frustration

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Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Mukhtar Abbas NaqviOct 30, 2015 | 20:51

#AwardWapsi is a sign of frustration

The writers, scientists and filmmakers, returning their awards, are acting at the behest of vested interest groups who are yet to come to terms with the victory of the BJP in the 2014 elections and Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister. It is a sign of desperation by those who are unhappy with the regime change. For 16 months they waited for the NDA government to commit some mistake so that they could pounce upon us. When they could not get any, they took refuge in an imaginary idea that there is a growing intolerance in the country.

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We have termed incidents like Dadri lynching as very unfortunate. We have even strongly condemned it. But one should understand that law and order is a state subject. The Centre is in no way involved in it because it is a federal issue. Despite this, an impression is being created by the Opposition that there is rising intolerance in the country and it is the NDA which is to be blamed for it. It is being done to defame the Central government and belittle our achievements on all fronts.

There is no rise in intolerance in the country. The awards are being returned by individuals over sporadic incidents in the states. The atmosphere is completely peaceful at the national level. Therefore, we need not worry. We need not go for any damage control exercise either, because the return of awards is a fabricated and frustrated exercise of some individuals.

Though the Opposition may try their best, they will not succeed in spoiling the NDA's chances in Bihar Assembly elections. The storm raised by our rivals over issues like beef ban and cow slaughter will not have any impact on the voters.

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There is polarisation in Bihar but it is only on the issue of development and governance. We will not allow destructive politics to dominate over developmental issues. When we speak of terrorists in Pakistan, the Mahagathbandhan links it to secularism. It is a proof of their mental bankruptcy.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad have realised that their attempts to garner votes on casteism and communalism will not bear fruits and, hence, they are distorting our statements. For instance, they sought to twist RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on reservation. They tried their best to create confusion in the minds of the electorates.

But then the prime minister stepped in and issued clarification. He was right in pointing out that the Constitution does not allow reservation on the basis of religion. The Congress has tried to disturb the arrangement mandated by the Constitution but it has been struck down several times by the judiciary.

The Congress and its allies are trying to polarise Bihar polls on the basis of caste and religion. We are setting the record straight and trying to keep the political discourse on issues of development and governance. We are confident of NDA's impressive victory in Bihar.

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(As told to Kumar Shakti Shekhar.)

Last updated: October 30, 2015 | 21:22
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