New Delhi: US President Barack Obama's comments on religious intolerance in India have provoked sharp reactions in the country. There is no formal response from the Narendra Modi government yet, but some opposition parties say the statement reaffirms their concerns.
On Thursday, in a 25-minute address to the National Prayer Breakfast, President Obama referred to India while talking about religious freedom. "Michelle and I returned from India -- an incredible, beautiful country, full of magnificent diversity -- but a place where, in past years, religious faiths of all types have, on occasion, been targeted by other peoples of faith, simply due to their heritage and their beliefs -- acts of intolerance that would have shocked Gandhiji, the person who helped to liberate that nation," he said.
"I think President Obama's comments are not in reference to any community. He was referring to general intolerance. A similar order remains in the US as well, so religious tolerance is a challenge for the biggest and largest democracy," said GVL Narasimha Rao, a spokesperson of the ruling BJP.
The BJP's political rivals took digs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Did the Prime Ministerial Tea reinforce Barrack's understanding of the revival ism & intolerance intrinsic in the BJP govt Another stinker? (sic)," Congress leader Manish Tewari said in an acerbic tweet.
"I think Mr Modi will answer this, they are very good friends," quipped Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party.
Bihar politician Lalu Yadav tweeted, "My position on religious liberty endorsed by @BarackObama,yesterday."
The Congress ally also said, "Mr. PM for the sake of united India,if u get time out of ur street electioneering thn plz defend &promote d right to freedom of religion."
President Obama's words are being seen by some as a significant follow-up to his appeal for religious freedom on the last day of his India visit.
"India will succeed so long as it is not splintered on religious lines," he said at a townhall-style meeting in Delhi, adding, "Nowhere is it more important to uphold religious freedom than in India."
Many interpreted it as a scathing critique at a time the Modi government has been accused of not reining in individuals and groups seen to promote a pro-Hindu agenda.
But this week, the White House said the speech had been misconstrued by some commentators as a kind of a parting shot.
"I think that's been somewhat misconstrued, if you look at the context of the entire speech, it's really about inclusivity. It's about the power of diversity," Phil Reiner, White House's senior director for South Asian Affairs said.