Defence Minister slams Aamir on ‘intolerance’ comments

Members of the Opposition today raised an uproar in the Rajya Sabha over the comments by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar against Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, saying the BJP government at the Centre was targeting the minorities in the country.

While Parrikar took no names, it was evident that he was referring to the backlash Aamir Khan received in November 2015 after stating that he and his wife felt a “sense of insecurity” due to the increasing religious intolerance in India.

Parrikar was speaking here after releasing the Marathi version journalist-author Nitin Gokhale’s book on Siachen. “I would request the leaders to have a look at the video and no to go by the newspapers, let them watch and decide on their own”, he said.

Soon after Nabi’s comments, Parrikar in his defence said that, the other members should see the video for themselves, and make up their mind about his remarks.

BSP chief Mayawati asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not reining in his Ministers. 14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, the Minister said adding the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, 5 terrorists had been killed against it. The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said adding earlier it was “1:1.5”.

The PK star had earlier said, “I have been alarmed”.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said that Indian army should be allowed to resort to firing to control activities like “transgression” and “incursion”.

Oppn slammed Parrikar over his alleged remarks against Aamir Khan, while the minister denied having said what was quoted. Though he did not name Snapdeal, the online trading company, he said the controversy cost the actor the contract. He also talked about his wife Kiran Rao fearing for the future of their child. According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement previous year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him. “You can’t feel ashamed of your set up”. What is being reported is not what I said, ” he said.