BJP slams Aamir Khan, says no other country better than India for Muslims

The BJP on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for their comments on growing intolerance.

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for their comments on alleged growing 'intolerance'.

Addressing a press conference, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain slammed Aamir Khan for saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country.

Hitting back at the Bollywood superstar, Shahnawaz said though Aamir is free to express his views, he should also remember that it is the same country which has bestowed immense love, respect and wealth on him.

“No country is better than India for Muslims,” Shahnawaz asserted, adding, “Aamir will not get a better country than India to live and a Hindu as his neighbour.''

“Where will one go after leaving this country, wherever in the world you go, you will find intolerance,” he added.

Hussain reminded Aamir that "India gave you all the laurels and respect".

"There is a sense of peace and brotherhood in the country, which cannot be compared with any part of the world," he said.

"When you become a big star, your remarks are misused on the platforms of rival countries. Your remarks can draw publicity and can become headlines. But such comments can also defame the country. This is an incredible India. One should not tarnish its image," the BJP leader added.

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's tweets, the BJP spokesperson said the Congress vice president should reflect on his own party's history and advised him not to give lessons on tolerance.

Congress which has been under scanner for its role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots and many other incidences of communal violence shouldn't advise the nation on tolerance, the BJP leader said.

Agra

​​"Aamir makes a comment and Rahul Gandhi supports it. It has become clear from Gandhi's comment that there is a conspiracy going on in the country to defame the nation," the BJP  spokesperson said at the press conference here.

He questioned Aamir Khan, asking "who is giving you all the advice". 

Shahnawaz's statements came shortly after Rahul said this morning that it would be better for the BJP government to stop "bullying, threatening and abusing" and instead reach out to the people.

"Instead of branding all those who question the Govt & Modiji- as unpatriotic, anti national or 'motivated' the Govt would do better to reach out to people to understand what's disturbing them," the Congress leader had tweeted.

The BJP spokesperson also took potshots at political parties trying to defame the BJP-led government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Citing PM's statement in Malaysia that 'terror cannot be linked with religion', Shahnawaz said, it is the best statement a responsible leader can give.

"A small incident happens in a country of over 100 crore people, but it is not alright to malign our 'Incredible India' over the same," the BJP spokesperson said.