The BJP today sharpened its attack on Aamir Khan for his remarks on intolerance and charged him with committing a "moral offence" saying the actor blaming the entire country for his own sake is unacceptable.
It said an icon like him should not use such words that blamed the country and hit out at some political forces for creating obstacles in the nation's development process.
"It is unfortunate that for the sake of his name he is defaming the entire country. I feel it is a moral offence," BJP spokesperson M J Akbar told media persons.
He said there is absolutely no problem with an icon or non-icon in a democracy criticising anything, "but yes, when an icon blames the whole nation, then I think there is an appropriate reason for a reaction."
"I do not believe that you have a right to drag down the nation because of any personal antagonism towards a political party. The nation must always be above politics," he said.
Akbar said if one asks the 125 crore Indians on whether they want to live in this country or not, "you will get only one answer that this is our country. This is the strength of patriotism."
Asked why BJP was training all its guns on Aamir, he said, "We say it because it affects the nation. The point being made is that you should blame the country is unacceptable. This is a moral offence. We find it unacceptable."
Akbar also said that "unfortunately, there are some forces that are against development and progress and want to create obstacles".
He said some political forces may get some solace, but reminded that "At least sometimes we should think about the country".
The BJP leader also recalled an incident of theft in a church some time ago, which was sought to be made into an international issue.
Talking about Aamir's relations with Maulana Azad, he reminded the actor of Azad's words said at the steps of Jama Masjid in Delhi that the country belongs to everyone as he opposed Partition.
"Aamir is a relative of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad whose message was that the country belonged to everybody. What Maulana had said, probably his relatives should have heard," Akbar said, adding that the truth spoken by the Maulana will never change and all should help make the country progressive and developed.
Akbar also recalled Aamir's recent TV interview in which
he had said that 'this is the time of hope and positively, right no' and said that it is the truth.
He said people in the country want to move towards progress and want more growth.
He also recalled how there has been a call of unity given by the ulemas in 73 cities in the country and asked, "What message are you giving that our country is not worth living?"
Questioning Aamir, the BJP leader said, "Which city do you want to live in, Washington or London? But, I assure you will not hear the sound of 'azaan' (the Muslim call for prayer from a mosque)."
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Muslims and Hindus on whether to fight each other or unitedly fight against poverty.
"That is the vision that has come out from the roots of this country and society," he said.
Attacking those creating hurdles on country's development path, he said, "They want to hurt the Prime Minister's image and the Prime Minister's message of unity and 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', which Aamir Khan has himself lauded.
