BJP blasts Aamir Khan over remarks on intolerance

Attacking Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain today said there was a "deep political conspiracy" by the Congress to defame the country by harping on an atmosphere of intolerance, after Rahul Gandhi backed the actor's comments.

"Where will Aamir and his family go other than India," he wondered in response to the actor's remarks yesterday that his wife Kiran Rao had even suggested that they should probably leave the country.

"There is no other better country like India and no better neighbour than a Hindu for an Indian Muslim. What is the situation in Muslim countries and Europe. There is intolerance everywhere," Hussain, a national spokesperson of the BJP, told a press meet here.

"India is the most secular state where Muslims enjoy equal rights. In our country, an artist is not judged by his caste and religion but by his art," he said.

Hussain said if Aamir feels the situation is so bad in the country and that he is contemplating to leave, he should convince us. "We are ready to debate," he added and wondered who is advising the actor.

Hussain also took a swipe at the Congress Vice President for coming out in support of Aamir Khan.

"This shows Congress complicity in the campaign to malign the country. Congress cannot tolerate an elected government and a popular Prime Minister. When the country is progressing under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Congress is creating an atmosphere to malign the country," he charged.

"Congress is responsible for the massacre of Sikhs and many communal riots. The party should not teach the country about tolerance and intolerance. Aamir Khan should know that this is incredible India and 'Atulya Bharat' and one should not do anything to malign the image.

"Aamir had gained respect, fame and wealth due to the love and respect of all Indians. When you become a star your comments may get you headlines and good coverage but they are used against the country by the enemies," he said.

Hussain said Aamir's comments show that he is not scared but was scaring others and the BJP rejects his charge.