Biggest ever mob lynching in India took place in 1984: Rajnath

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 20

Reiterating that the government condemns and disapproves all kinds of mob lynchings in the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that the country witnessed such killings in 1984 and so the Congress “should not preach us on the issue and stop shedding crocodile tears”.

Taking part in the debate on the motion of no-confidence brought by a united Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rajnath said, “The Centre expected the state governments to take stern actions against those who are found involved in mob lynching cases and assured that the Modi government was ready to offer all necessary help to curb such incidents in whole of the country.”

The home minister also asserted that the government is committed to providing justice to the aggrieved Sikh community, which suffered the most during 1984 carnage.

“We are aware of the pain of our Sikh brothers and sisters,” he said.

Further countering the alleged Congress’ claim that democracy is surviving in India only because of that party, he recalled the great democratic tradition of India by mentioning examples such as an ancient republic Vaishali and a few other traditions which prevailed in south of the country.

Comparing Chandragupt Maurya with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said both acquired the top position despite having a humble background.

Meanwhile, not happy with the content of Rajnath Singh’s speech as he was not addressing the issues relating to Andhra Pradesh, TDP members created ruckus in the House by trooping into the well, which forced Speaker Sumatra Mahajan to adjourn the proceedings for a brief period of 15 minutes.

Later the home minister gave details of central assistance given to Andhra Pradesh and requested the TDP members to impress upon the state government to implement projects speedily.

Quoting 14 Finance Commission’s recommendations, he expressed difficulties in granting Special Category Status to any state including Andhra Pradesh.