Don't learn the lesson of intolerance from Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi tells Modi govt

"India is successful because we have given our ppl space to talk.Pak has failed because they did not allow the voice of their ppl to be heard..Pakistan has failed because their leaders crushed the voices that were inconvenient to them..Our greatest strength is our tolerance. Their biggest weakness is their intolerance," Gandhi said while speaking on the second day of 'intolerance' debate in the Lok Sabha.

"I request the Government please do not learn a wrong lesson from them," he said.

Hitting out the Centre on the recent protest by students of Film and Television Institute of India, the Congress Vice-President said: "The Government talks of Skill India.Yet when FTII students with superb skills go on strike because a mediocre man is placed in a top institution."

"The govt simply tries to crush & intimidate them," he said.

Gandhi attacked Modi, who was earlier the CM of Gujarat, and said: "Gujarat model has now been exposed.In Gujarat Patidars are protesting &the government's response is to file 20,000 FIRs against them for sedition."

"Today in India protest means sedition," he said.

Referring to the issue of awards returned by writers, intellectuals and other artists in recent times, Gandhi said the government did not bother to speak to them to put an end to the trouble.

"And as all this is going on the best talent India has- the best writers, intellectuals &artists give their awards back as a sign of protest..The government does not even bother to speak to them. Arun Jaitley ji simply says it’s all manufactured," Gandhi said attacking Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"Why would they manufacture it? Arunji - this is not a dream like your 'Make in India' program. This is reality," Gandhi said.

He said: "The Prime Minister talks about economic growth  and progress. At the same time his colleagues talk about sending Bollywood stars to Pakistan."

He questioned the PM's silence over the issue 'cold blooded' murder of rationalists.

Gandhi also questioned the government over not removing Union Minister VK Singh for his controversial statement on the killing of two Dalit children in Faridabad.

"I am looking here, and I can't see Gen VK Singh. A General who likened Dalit children to dogs," Gandhi said.

"He has directly challenged the constitution and the fundamental right to equality by equating Dalit children to dogs..Our Prime Minister allows this man to continue as minister as if nothing has happened," he said.

Singh had issued clarification for his remarks days after his statement had triggered a controversy this year.

Singh said  he had not intended to draw an analogy between the Faridabad incident and stoning of a dog.

"My statement wasn't intended to draw an analogy. My men & I put our lives on the line 4the nation irrespective of caste,creed & religion," he had tweeted.