Congress Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor attributed the growing ban culture in India to the narrowing mindset of the state and central government in the country. In an exclusive interview with India Today Television's Karan Thapar on Saturday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said the tendency of banning should be strongly resisted by the society.

"Both at Centre and states, we have seen narrowing of the Indian minds. Increasing number of people who are anxious to be offended by the slightest of provocations, real or imagined. We are going to be a country run by those who get offended rather than those who are thoughtful," said Tharoor.

"The culture of banning has to be resisted today for fear of how much it can become tomorrow," added Tharoor.

Also read: Meat ban can't be forced down anyone's throat, says Supreme Court



Answering to a question about the recent meat ban orders by several state governments, the former Union minister said the whole issue is not about meat ban or about the duration of ban but about the people's freedom.

"This is about personal choice, infact I have always said that the entire meat ban issue in India is not about meat, it's about freedom, it's about the India we want to live in," said Tharoor. Also read: Haryana fifth BJP-ruled state to ban sale of meat

Court right in banning meat and eggs in Haridwar and Rishikesh

"Space is a different issue from time. In other words it is entirely possible that this town exists in a sanctified way for a specific religious purposes. One cannot then make argument that this is illegal and unconstitutional. If you insist on easting eggs and meat then go to Haridwar."

On Jammu and Kashmir High Court beef ban

"If the government values opinion in the valley, it should immediately appeal this judgement. I regret very much that no action has been taken to appeal because I am already getting reports deeply inflamed sentiments in the valley. It is an unnecessary political problem that is being created in the valley."