GUWAHATI, Nov 4 - Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that growing intolerance in the country in recent times has dented the pluralism of the country like never before.
In a statement here, Gogoi said that never before had the incidents of intolerance and hatred affected the country so badly like the present chronology of events that dented the age-old plural character of the country, both nationally and internationally. �Thanks to the President of India who had intervened thrice in a short span of time to reinforce the country�s plural character for living in peaceful co-existence. Joining the bandwagon RBI Governor Raghu Rajan and scores of writers, artistes and scientists fervently reminded the nation of the values of pluralism and peaceful co-existence,� Gogoi said.
Extending congratulations to all who voiced their concern over growing intolerance, Gogoi said were it not for their strong and spontaneous protests, divisive forces would have been further emboldened to carry out their nefarious designs.
The Chief Minister also asserted that at the present critical juncture, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee�s advice of adherence to �rajdharma� can bail the country out.
Referring to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley�s statement that the return of awards is a �manufactured rebellion� and the personalities involved in it are �rabid anti-BJP elements�, Gogoi asked why such incidents did not take place during Vajpayee�s regime.
