A debate on BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modiâs controversial
past sparked a row at a meeting within Britainâs parliament complex.
Human rights groups and organisers of âNarendra Modi and the Rise of Hindu
Fascismâ at a committee room in Parliament building on Wednesday claimed they
had been subjected to intense pressure and death threats from Hindu right-wing
groups in the UK to cancel the debate.
âThis meeting has been held under extremely difficult conditions, in the
face of death threats. It just highlights the inability of Narendra Modiâs
supporters to tolerate anything other than their narrative and attempts to
suppress free speech,â said Chetan Bhatt, director of the Centre for the Study
of Human Rights at the London School of Economics (LSE).
The meeting received the backing of a number of British parliamentarians,
led by Labour MP John McDonnell, as well as celebrated India-born British
artist Anish Kapoor. âWe are in a moment of great danger and your call to our
sense of justice is much needed,â Kapoor said in a message read out at the
event.
regards
