OF
THE TWO WHO IS INTOLERANT?
A news in today's (November 16, 2015) THE STATESMAN
headlined "Hindu outfit announces
bounty to get writer's tongue for PM barb" has left me puzzled as to who
is tolerant and who not?
An Indian-origin British writer Aneesh Kapoor has called
PM Narendra Modi a Talibani and used objectionable words against Lord Vishnu.
On the other hand, Rashtriya Hindu Kranti Dal has
announced a reward of Rs. 21 lakh to the one who would slit the writer's tongue
for these barbs.
We may dismiss the words of the writer as his right to
freedom of thought and expression. But the Hindu outfit too may claim its anger
as its own right to freedom of retort as freedom of opinion and thought. The
other part of the outfit announcing a reward does make an offence.
Similar is the case with the celebration of Nathuram
Gods's birth. He was hanged for the heinous crime of unfortunate killing of
Mahatma Gandhi more than 50 years back. He got the punishment he deserved. But
has his family not the right to celebrate his birthday?
On the other hand, Congress has taken offence at
celebration of Godse's birthday.
Can somebody guide an ignoramus person like me as to which
of the two persons/organizations is displaying their "sense of
tolerance"? Does the writer has a right to use the words he used to offend the sentiments of Hindus?
