Stop insulting writers, intellectuals: CPI(M)

Hitting out at BJP over its criticism of intellectuals returning awards, CPI(M) today said the ruling party should "stop insulting" litterateurs who have brought glory to India and added "fabricated" political bracketing by the NDA major cannot quell the "growing" protest by writers, film makers and scientists.
"These writers and intellectuals, they have brought glory to India and BJP leaders should stop insulting them. Fabricated political bracketing cannot quell this protest of writers, film makers and scientists which is growing," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu hit out at those returning their awards citing intolerance in the country, saying they are "misleading" people as part of "systematic, orchestrated and malicious campaign" by BJP's political opponents.

Naidu attacked the "so-called intellectuals" with "Left leanings" - who he said benefited from previous Congress regime and are well-entrenched in various reputed institutions - for "orchestrating" such negative campaigns against the government. He accused them of causing harm and tarnishing country's image and economy.