Finance Minister Arun Jaitley condemns the Opposition and says violence can never be a partisan issue
Weathering tireless attack on increasing incidents of mob lynching in the Rajya Sabha, the Modi government slammed the opposition for politicising the issue.
Responding to the short duration discussion on increasing incidents of lynching and atrocities against minorities and Dalits, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "Violence can never be a partisan issue and oppression in the name of cow won't be tolerated."
He defended the government, and said, "Wherever acts of violence and lynching have erupted, legal proceedings and chargesheets have been filed in a systematic way."
Disapproving Opposition charges as part of the systemic campaign launched to malign the Modi government, Jaitley said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always strongly condemned the act of lynching."
Accusing the Opposition of "selective morality" Jaitley cited how there were a series of reports on attack on churches during elections in Delhi, and not even one case was found politically motivated.
"The government's stand is clear. Nobody is allowed to do that (lynching in the name of cow protection). There is no rationalisation. No arguments of sentiments being hurt can be an explanation for this. And, the government is absolutely committed," he said adding that "no amount of sympathy" will be shown for those who indulge in lynching and law will certainly take its own course.
Spearheading Opposition's attack, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said, year 2017 has witnessed maximum murders and the cattle ban had negatively impacted leather industry besides industries like soap and shampoo.
"I am shaken and shattered by the images of grotesque violence and heart-wrenching scenes I have seen on social media and Twitter. We did not see it in the last 50 years," he said.
"What is the sentiment behind it? Why 97 per cent of the violence has taken place after 2017?" Sibal asked.
In a passionate speech, JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav asked the government to circumspect if India is going the Syria and Iraq way. "I am cautioning you that the situation is heading towards a civil war," said Yadav.
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