Congress says 'better late than never' for PM's remarks on religious intolerence

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi breaking his silence on the recent spate of incidents of religious intolerance, Congress on Tuesday said it was "better late than never" and suggested that the proof of the pudding lies in stopping the "vitriolic agenda" of RSS and its fringe elements.

"(It's) better late than never is what we will say to the Prime Minister for breaking his deafening silence. We hope Modi will show the courage of (his) convictions by taking on the RSS and its fringe elements and put a stop to their vitriolic agenda," Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

He was reacting to Prime Minister's remarks that the government will not allow any religious group to incite hatred and will strongly act against any religious violence.

Related read: PM Narendra Modi finally speaks out against attacks on churches, promises action 

The Prime Minister, who has been accused by opposition and Christian groups of turning a blind eye to a string of recent attacks on five churches and a Christian school in Delhi, said his government "gives equal respect to all religions".

"My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence," Modi said at the national celebration function of the elevation to Sainthood of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia at Vigyan Bhawan here.