Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy has expressed concerns over rising cases of intolerance, which he says has resulted in fear in the minds of minorities in the country. In a strong statement on a show on NDTV, Murthy said that the top priority of the current governments both at the centre as well as in the states should be to bring back the confidence, enthusiasm, trust of the citizens. Unless those steps are taken, economic progress is difficult, said Murthy.

"A country can only make economic progress when there is no strife, no fear, and when the majority community stops oppressing the minority community.

It doesn't matter which govt is in power," said Murthy.

Murthy also drew parallel with the events of 1967 when South Indians faced bad treatment at the hands of the Shiv Sena. He said that its worrisome when one region is in strife with another region in the country.

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Making it clear that his message is to no party or coalition in particular, Murthy said an environment of positivity is important to bring back growth and eliminate poverty.

Responding to Narayana Murthy's passionate plea, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha who was also a panelist on the programme said that his government is also equally concerned about issues of law and order. Sinha said that the citizens should remember the statement made by the Prime Minister and President assuring them of protecting their fundamental rights.

"If there is any violation, then full force of the law has to be applied," said Sinha.

Narayana Murthy is the lone voice from Corporate India who has expressed his concern over rising intolerance in the country.

On Friday, Moody’s Analytics, a research arm of the Moody’s group, had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep party members in check, or risk losing the government’s domestic and global credibility.