Debate on intolerance based on dishonesty: MP CM

BHOPAL: As the discussion on intolerance rages through the country, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said, “The debate on intolerance is based on dishonesty.” Chouhan was speaking to reporters on the completion of his ten-year tenure in office. “India has traditionally always been a tolerant nation and we are proud of it. If you check history, this has been the most tolerant country for thousands of years.”
Chouhan argued that small incidents of violence happens everywhere and in all countries.“So one unfortunate incident does not make us an intolerant nation,” Chouhan said.
He also claimed that communal harmony has been the priority for the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh. “We have given assurance that our government is for the welfare of all communities,” he said.
As if the government will ban alcohol in the state following Gujarat and recently Bihar, the chief minister said, “One order ban is a difficult proposition. But we have taken two major decisions. One is not to give any new liquor sale retail licenses and the second is not to encourage the starting of new distilleries in the state.”