As the Opposition mounted a united attack on the government for being a “mute witness” to the intimidation of minorities by prominent members of the ruling party and its affiliates, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh sought to assure the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the government did not endorse the anti-minority views expressed in recent weeks.

Mr. Singh intervened after the issue was raised by Congress member M.I. Shanavas during zero hour in which he flagged Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s demand for revoking the Muslim community’s voting rights and Lok Sabha member Sakshi Maharaj calling for the sterilisation of Muslims.

“Ever since this government came to power, a situation has been created in this country that is tarnishing the image of minorities. Some irresponsible statements are being made by responsible leaders of the ruling allies. They are misusing their power, to intimidate and victimise the minority communities,” he said even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked him not to refer to Mr. Raut by name as he was not a member of the House.

Several Opposition parties, including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, joined the outcry against such statements and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that the government was being destabilised not by its political opponents but by its own leaders and members of sister organisations. “Do you want to divide this country or keep it united,” he asked.

Later, while making a mention of the Subhas Chandra Bose snooping controversy, Trinamool Congress member Sugata Bose urged members not to forget that Netaji had dedicated his life for the unity of all religious and linguistic communities. “To honour his memory, let us make sure that the minorities in this country feel safe, secure and continue to enjoy equal rights,” he said.