New Delhi:
BJP today termed the communal violence bill as "the most obnoxious piece of legislation in independent India", saying had it been in place, it would have resulted in punishment of the members of the majority community for Muzaffarnagar riots.
"The 2011 draft, which the National Advisory Council prepared, I have not the least doubt, is the most obnoxious piece of legislation in independent India," Arun Jaitley, the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, said.
"For instance, in Muzaffarnagar violence if this bill had existed and both communities had representatives who were guilty of violence, one would be prosecuted under this law, others would not," he said, terming the controversial bill divisive and discriminatory.
Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh, however, said the bill has been prepared to curb the "ideology of hate and violence".
"This is something absolutely important in a multi- religious, multi-ethnic and multi-caste society that India is," he said.
Both the leaders were speaking at a discussion "A new vision for India" at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
Asked their views on the rise of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which exits polls have predicted would make a strong debut in Delhi Assembly polls, Mr Jaitley said it has to be seen whether it is a long lasting phenomena or not.
Mr Jaitley had earlier dismissed AAP's presence in the fray, saying opting for it would be a waste of vote.
However, today he seemed to have reconciled to its emergence, admitting that he had no other choice on the matter but to welcome it. Whether results, which would be announced tomorrow, back up the buzz about it in elections remains to be seen, he added.
Singh said he would welcome all civil society members, who want powers without accountability, in politics.