Intolerance Debate: Samajwadi Party comes out in support of Aamir Khan

Accusing the BJP of indulging in "fascist and discriminative" politics, SP on Tuesday came out in open support of Aamir Khan after he expressed "alarm and despondency" over the rise in incidents of intolerance.

Senior SP leader and Cabinet minister Shivpal Singh Yadav told reporters, "Aamir does not need to leave the country. He can live anywhere in the UP."

Highlighting the achievements of the state government, he said that SP would once again make majority government in the state in 2017 as it has worked for all sections of the society. On a query regarding 'Mahagathbandhan', Shivpal said that SP is alone capable of taking on BJP.

"If any secular political party wants to come with us, it is welcome. BJP is fascist and indulge in discriminative politics," he said.

The minister was in Bammawan village to participate in a private function. He said that the government has made a provision of Rs 17,871 crore for roads and bridges in the current financial year.

Shivpal said that Rs 500 per month each was being given to 45 lakh people under Samajwadi pension. He said that after formation of SP government, more than 10 lakh jobs were created and the government was making all efforts to provide employment to every youth. The minister alleged that required assistance was not being received from the Centre.

"The assistance, which the state should have got from the Centre, is not being received," he said.

On a query regarding re-entry of expelled leader Amar Singh, Shivpal said that it would be replied later.