Talibanisation of Hinduism remark: CPI(M) comes out in support of Shashi Tharoor

The CPI(M) today came out in support of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who has stoked a row with his 'Talibanisation of Hinduism' attack at the BJP, and accused the government of supporting those behind the incidents of lynching.

"There's nothing wrong in Shashi Tharoor's remark. You learn from the experience of Pakistan. Do not exploit religion and suppress the voice of the Opposition. We condemn all the things that are happening in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. And, now it is happening in India. The RSS and the BJP are competing with our worst neighbour," CPI(M) leader Mohammad Salim told reporters.

On the Opposition's protest in the Lok Sabha against Union minister Jayant Sinha for garlanding those convicted of lynching a meat trader in Jharkhand, he said they would not allow the Jharkhand MP to speak in the House till he offers an apology in the House.

The Left leader also alleged that the attack on Swami Agnivesh in Jharkhand was a "consequence" of Sinha garlanding the accused.

"Both the incidents are linked. It shows that the BJP and the government are patronising the people behind such inhuman incidents," he alleged.

He said that every person is free to express his or her opinion in democracy and such incidents show that the ruling party is spreading "intolerance" in the country.