Instead of branding those opposing Modi as unpatriotic, government must reach out: Rahul Gandhi

With the statement of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan sparking a fresh row on the issue of intolerance, the Congress party has found fresh ammunition against the NDA government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday tweeted accusing the government of branding all those who oppose the Prime Minister as unpatriotic, anti-national or motivated.

The Gandhi scion said that instead of branding those who oppose the government or the Prime Minister in these categories, the government “would do better to reach out to people to understand what's disturbing them”.

According to the Congress leader, “That's the way to solve problems in India- not by bullying, threatening & abusing!”

Rallying behind the party vice president, the Congress ruled out any politics in the statement of Aamir Khan, saying the government must listen to public figures like him and reach out to people.

This came even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at the Bollywood actor, saying he had hurt the sentiment of people of India with his statement on intolerance.

"Aamir Khan is the face of 'Incredible India', how can he make such a remark? I request Aamir Khan not to leave India and he won't find another nation like it," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain later addressed a press conference, saying that with Rahul Gandhi backing Aamir Khan's statement, it seems that a "conspiracy is at play".

"We want to advise Aamir Khan that he will not get a better country than India...This country has given so much to him," said the BJP leader.

Telling Aamir Khan that India has made him what he is, veteran actor Anupam Kher responded to Aamir Khan's remarks through Twitter and advised him to spread hope and not fear.

"Dear Aamir Khan, Did you ask Kiran which country she would like to move out to? Did you tell her that this country has made you Aamir Khan. Dear Aamir Khan, In 'Satyameva Jayate' you talked about evil practices but gave hope. So even in intolerant times, you need to spread hope and not fear. You presumed that the country became intolerant. What do you suggest to millions of Indians? Leave India? Or wait till regime changes?"

Aamir Khan had backed filmstar Shah Rukh Khan, joining the chorus of artists and writers protesting rising intolerance in the country. The actor has said there is a sense of insecurity in the country and that his wife has even suggested leaving India, fearing for the safety of their child.