Anurag ducks hate speech queries, says media is lying

CHANDIGARH:UNION minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said strict action should be taken against those involved in Delhi violence that claimed over 40 lives. But he said he was not involved in delivering a hate speech.

The minister of state for finance was interacting with the media after meeting stakeholders from trades and industries during an interactive session organised by the income tax department in Chandigarh.

Refuting that he has ever raised controversial “shoot the traitors” slogan in the run-up to Delhi elections, Anurag said: “You (media) are lying.”

“I think sometimes there is lack of information in the media too regarding the way some things are projected,” he said on being asked about his “hate speech” that was also blamed for flaring up the violence.

Asking the media to limit questionnaire to his department only, the BJP leader replied: “The matter is sub judice. You should have full facts. Half-baked truth is dangerous — be it the propaganda of media or somebody else. I feel that you guys should have complete knowledge.”

“What clarification you want on this? Strict action should be taken against those who are accused of inciting the riots and were involved in riots,” he said.

“If you have questions on economy, you should ask those,” he

You should have full facts. Half-baked truth is dangerous — be it the propaganda of media or somebody else. I feel that you guys (media) should have complete knowledge.

ANURAG THAKUR,

Union minister of state for finance

summed up.

Saying the police was on the job in Delhi, Anurag added: “Strict action should be taken against those involved in the riots. The strength of our country is that people of various faiths coexist and live unitedly contributing towards building the nation.”

Campaigning for the BJP for Delhi assembly elections in Rithala last month, Anurag allegedly chanted a provocative slogan: “Desh ke gaddaron ko goli maaro saalon ko”. The rough English translation is “shoot the traitors”.