The concert of renowned ghazal singer Ghulam Ali Khan was scheduled in Maharashtra that was cancelled due to Shiv Sena threats.
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The Modi government is confronting strong condemnation over what critics call rising intolerance in India amid attacks on rationalists and the excesses of ally Shiv Sena, which has opposed events in Mumbai involving prominent Pakistanis like singer Ghulam Ali and politician Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh termed the prime minister’s remarks over the incident as a pseudo statement. Modi blamed the opposition for trying to use these sad incidents and indulging in politics of polarisation.
Accusing opponents of communalism and pseudo-secularism would carry more weight if BJP leadership reined in its party men and even punished those who act irresponsibly. “Today, faced with this unfortunate social malaise, this debate has cropped up again”. “This dispute can be resolved through consultations (Aalaap-alochonar madhyom-e ei bitorker niroshon shombhob)”, he said.
Modi claimed that the parties resorting to such propaganda did not want the development of minorities and looked upon them as a vote bank.
Shiv Sena’s peculiar relationship with the BJP is creating problems for the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra.
“The BJP and the government at the Centre do not support such incidents. He has forgotten that he is the Prime Minister of entire country and safety and protecting the life of 125 crore citizens of India is his responsibility”, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in Delhi.
Coming down closely on Modi for his “delayed response”, JD(D) national president Sharad Yadav stated, “He (Modi) is fast to congratulate Indian cricket workforce on its victory however his response on Dadri lynching has come after an extended delay”. What is his locus standii apart from being an RSS activist and having the Prime Minister’s ears? Isn’t it true that several of his ministers, legislators and cohorts from the Sangh Parivar incessantly fanned the Dadri flame by making one divisive, irresponsible and provocative remark after the other?
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“Incidents like Dadri and Ghulam Ali are really sad but what is the role of the Centre in them?”
