VENKAIAH TAKES ON ANSARI

Thursday was the day of the outgoing VicePresident versus the Vice-President-elect. VicePresident-elect M. Venkaiah Naidu took on outgoing VicePresident Hamid Ansari over his remarks that there was “unease” and a “sense of insecurity among minorities”.

Later, Mr Naidu was sworn in as the Vice-President on Friday.

Without actually naming Mr Ansari, Mr Naidu dismissed the view that there was a sense of insecurity among minorities, saying this was nothing but “political propaganda”.

On Wednesday, speaking to a television channel, Mr Ansari had claimed there was “unease” and a “sense of insecurity” among Muslims in India, and that the “ambience of acceptance” was now under threat.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has described Mr Ansari as the “new avatar of Mohammad Ali Jinnah”.

Speaking to the media, Mr Naidu said: “Some people are saying the minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda.”

Mr Naidu then pointed out that “compared to the entire world, the minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due”.

Mr Naidu also cautioned against creating a divide in the nation by singling out one community.

“If you single out one community, other communities will take it otherwise. That is why we say all are equal. Appeasement for none, and justice for all,” he remarked.

Mr Naidu maintained that “history has proved there is no discrimination against minorities”. The BJP also lashed out at Mr Ansari for his remarks and wondered whether he was looking for “rehabilitation after retirement”.