BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday dismissed protests over growing intolerance in the country as a "perception" limited to "Lutyen's Zone", the area in the heart of the seat of power in the national capital. "The perception (about growing intolerance) is only limited to Lutyen's Zone. Had such incidents taken place because of the BJP, RSS or VHP, then why are there no protests in Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan and Goa?" he told 'Aap Ki Adalat' show on India TV, according to a press release from the channel.

On writers returning their Sahitya Akademi Awards, Shah said they were doing it because of incidents that took place in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka ruled by SP and Congress respectively. "All the writers returning their awards are protesting against Congress and SP governments." When pointed out that eminent writer Nayantara Sahgal had questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the issue, he said "The PM had spoken on Dadri. And yet their are resigning. There are many among the writers, who had signed an appeal during the Lok Sabha elections not to elect Modi to power. Now if the people of India elect us, what can we do? The perception (about growing intolerance) is only limited to Lutyen's Zone."

Shah said the BJP has governments in many states and protests there could have suited them better if BJP, RSS or VHP were behind it. "But here vote bank politics is dominating law and order. That's the reason why there is growing tension in both communities."