West Bengal Assembly adopts resolution on 'intolerance'

KOLKATA: The West Bengal Assembly today unanimously adopted a resolution on the issue of " intolerance".

In a rare show of unanimity, the ruling Trinamool Congress, Opposition left and Congress adopted the resolution which stated that the Constitution believes in a pluralistic and democratic set up.

However, lone BJP MLA Shamik Bhattacharya opposed it.

Moving the resolution, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee called for creating unity among the masses.

"Irrespective of caste, religion and creed every citizen has equal rights. But there are growing trends of violent intolerance and efforts to create division among the people. This not only creates problems in economic progress but is also a threat to national unity.

"The most unique factor of our country is tolerance and unity in diversity. But this unique factor is facing big challenge today. It is beyond doubt that only secularism, communal harmony and unity can make this country strong," the resolution stated.

It said the assembly calls for shedding of "political mean mindedness", racisim and communalism and creating unity among all sections of the masses and demanded that the government take stern steps to stop political, religious and social intolernace.

State Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said all steps should be taken to stop sinster plans to create divison among the masses. "We are all sons of this soil. We are Indians first."

Stating that there should be zero tolerance on the issue, Leader of Opposition and CPI-M leader Surya Kanta Mishra said "We are against the division of masses and we will continue our fight against it. We are against all of kinds intolerance whether it is political or religious."