View that minorities insecure a political propaganda, Says Venkaiah Naidu

Image: File photo/PTI

Noting that India's uniqueness is its unity in diversity, he said 'sarva dharm sadbhav' and secularism is in the mind and blood of India. "India is secular not because of political leaders but because of its people and civilisation," he said.

Vice President-elect M Venkaiah Naidu today rejected as "political propaganda" the view that there is a sense of insecurity among minorities in the country, apparently a rejoinder to outgoing Vice President Hamid Ansari.

He said history has proved that there is no discrimination against minorities. "They (minorities) got in prominent positions including constitutional responsibilities because there is no discrimination, and also on account of their merit," he said.

He also disagreed with the view that there is growing intolerance, saying Indian society is the most tolerant in the world because of its people and civilisation. There is tolerance that is why democracy is so successful, he said.