Meenakshi Lekhi led the BJP defence in the Lok Sabha, calling the Opposition “intellectual mercenaries” and saying incidents being projected as examples of “intolerance” had been taking place for decades. Citing home ministry figures, she said incidents of communal violence had in fact come down since the NDA came to power. Watch video (app users click here) “This entire atmosphere is sought to be created to malign the image of a democratically elected government and that is why I call them intellectual mercenaries. They are intellectual mercenaries because they are not concerned how they are tarnishing the image, how they are affecting the relationships between communities, and how India needs to progress,” she said. “.I have nothing against those who eat non-vegetarian food, absolutely not. It is a personal choice but for most people. life is precious and life has to be respected. That is the philosophy of ahimsa.” To Opposition members who referred to the ‘dog’ remarks of Minister V K Singh, Lekhi said this country has respect for dogs too. About the Dadri killing, Lekhi asked if the responsibility should be with the state government or the Centre. About Kerala Bhawan where police entered following a complaint that its canteen served beef, Lekhi said if the police had not acted, then a “Dadri-like incident could have happened”. Her remarks drew protests from MPs from Kerala. About Faridabad where two Dalit children were burnt alive, she said this arose out of personal rivalry. At the same time, she said, such happenings should be condemned.
