CPI(M) questions Modi's silence on intolerance

KOLKATA: Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on growing intolerance in the country, CPI(M) politburo member Biman Bose today said that Modi turned silent whenever such incidents occurred.

"The Prime Minister turns into 'Maun Modi' when it comes to reacting against intolerance and communalism," Bose told a press conference, reminding people that before becoming the PM, Modi often mocked at then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by describing him as "Maun Mohan".

Asked about BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's comment on Shah Rukh Khan, Bose said, "There is flood in terms of intolerance. India for ages has been known to have encouraged pluralistic thoughts. No one dared to hurt others' opinions."

The veteran leader, who is also the chairman of opposition Left Front in Bengal, had a word of praise for the media for creating awareness against intolerance.

Bose said that the Left decided to organise rallies and small meetings across the state on December 6 when Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992.