Protection of cows and minorities dominated proceedings of the Upper House, yet again, on Monday. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar also found himself in the eye of storm for his recent comment referring to Amir Khan ostensibly calling for teaching a lesson to actor. Opposition benches demanded an assurance from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the security of minorities in the country. They demanded an explanation from the PM over the government's 'decision' of targeting the minorities.
As the house assembled, Anand Sharma, deputy leader of Opposition at Rajya Sabha raised the issues, alleging there were increasing cases of violence against religious minorities. "In the name of cow protection several individuals are out in the streets targeting minorities. Even the ministers are speaking different languages inside and outside the House," said Sharma. He demanded an assurance from the Prime Minister on the issue.
He was backed by Derek O' Brien of the TMC, Sitaram Yechury of the CPI (M), Sharad Yadav of the JD (U) and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress.
Slamming Parrikar for his recent comment about teaching lesson to Aamir Khan in the wake of his last year remark of feeling of insecure in the country. Calling such attacks on minorities, a planned decision of the government the Trinamool MP Derek O' Brien said, "Religious fundamentalism is a dangerous disturbing situation. If it happens ones or twice it is a mistake, but if it happens again and again it is a decision of the government."
The TMC leader also added that he too like others was a 'gau- sevak', but not a gau- rakshak.
The defence minister was also slammed for making the minorities insecure. "What the defence minister has said is highly objectionable. Raksha mantri is spreading Araksha. The minorities are being threatened," said Yechury.
Parrikar while addressing a gathering in Pune on Friday had opposed Aamir Khan's comment on insecurity and had said that people like him should be taught a lesson. "We want to know what lesson does the government wants to teach us. He should tell the house, so that everybody gets to learn," said Azad.
The united opposition also demanded PM to break his silence on the issue and assure the House. "PM should come to the house and assure us that we live in the India, which accepts unity in diversity," added O'Brien.
Parrikar who was also present in the House however denied the media reports and said that the members should see the video rather than going by the news reports before commenting on the issue.
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