Saddened at intolerance, says Mamata

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she was "saddened" at the level of intolerance in the country and asked people to "act for unity".

She expressed support for President Pranab Mukherjee's views on unity in diversity.

"Saddened that there is so much intolerance today. Why so much divide and rule? Let us speak for unity, stand for unity. Let us act for unity," Banerjee tweeted.

"Respectfully & completely agree with the sentiments expressed by Rashtrapati ji today (Saturday) on unity in diversity and tolerance @RashtrapatiBhvn," Banerjee said.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Delhi High Court at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital, Mukherjee said India prospered due to its power to assimilate and tolerate.

"Our country has thrived due to its power of assimilation and tolerance. Our pluralistic character has stood the test of time," he said.

Referring to the ancient civilisations having accommodated diversities, the president said: "Multiplicity is our collective strength, which must be preserved at all costs. It finds reflection in the various provisions of our Constitution."

The Trinamool Congress supremo paid tribute to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary and remembered 'Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary on Saturday.

"Remembering the 'Iron Man of India', Sardar Patel ji, on his birth anniversary. May his vision of united India be fulfilled," she said.

On Friday, a section of intellectuals and non-governmental organisation hit the streets against rising intolerance in the country, by organising an open beef party.

(IANS)