Noted film personality Javed Akhtar said “adjournments” and “polarisation” will not take the country forward as he pleaded with the opposition and government to work together without thinking about the next elections.
Akhtar was speaking in Rajya Sabha during the bonhomie organised for members who bade farewell to the Upper House.
Akhtar, who was nominated to the Upper House by the UPA government, said there are capable leaders in the Modi government who can do good work but those making extremist comments, including some ministers, need to be reined in.
Akhtar’s speech was heard with rapt attention and intercepted by thumping of desks by members across party lines. The film lyricist in a veiled manner, slammed AIMIM leader and MP Asaddudin Owaisi for saying he will not chant ‘Bharat mata ki jai’ because the Constitution does not ask him to do so.
At the same time, he condemned those right-wing extremists also who say Muslims should go to Pakistan. He also said that the “fringe” elements are rising and emphasised the need to protect secularism to save democracy and the Constitution.
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