NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday came under a sharp attack from the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha over his controversial remarks against Aamir Khan, with CPM leader Sitaram Yechury saying the “Raksha Mantri can’t spread araksha (insecurity)”.
Speaking at a function in Pune on Saturday, Parrikar, without naming the actor, said he should be “taught a lesson” for his comments that his wife wanted to live out of India as intolerance was on the rise in the country. The Opposition led by the Congress demanded a statement from Parrikar. “May I ask what type of lesson he is going to teach us? The entire nation must know,” said the Congress’s Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Parrikar, who was present in the House, said the members should first watch the video before levelling allegations against him. “Let the members see the video for themselves. Don’t go by newspaper reports,” he said.The Opposition created ruckus in the House, with SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav alleging the video clearly showed the minister’s disrespect for minorities.
And BSP chief Mayawati demanded a reply from the Prime Minister over the remarks and the rising attacks on Dalits and minorities, asking “why he is not reining in his ministers”. Aamir’s comments last November amid a nationwide debate on intolerance had created a huge controversy. He had spoken of his wife Kiran Rao’s apprehensions, saying the rising intolerance had led her to think of leaving the country.