Senior Congress leader A.K Antony has said that the country is passing through one of its worst times because those in the “government itself turn to be protectors and promoters of intolerance.”
Taking an indirect snipe at National Democratic Alliance, the former Defence Minister said forces that create intolerance in the country had the “backing of the government in power.”
“Intolerance has been there across the world and in our country. The issue that confronts the nation now is that intolerance is on the rise. Unfortunately, the forces that divide the nation get protection from the government and the forces behind the ruling dispensation,” he said inaugurating Manava Sangamam, organised by Manava Samskrithi, an organisation affiliated to the Congress party, here on Thursday. The existence of divergent views was a must for democracy to thrive, he added.
Urging the younger generation to play a more proactive role in mainstream politics, he said unlike in the past when youth showed a keen interest in politics, the present-day generation was shying away from taking active participation.
“Earlier, campuses in the State used to be places for active debates on political and social issues confronting the nation and on topical issues. But nowadays, the campuses have become immune to such activities,” he said.
He honoured K.M. Chummar for his contribution to the literary field and G.K. Pillai for movie field.
