Under attack for remarks against Shah Rukh, BJP leader Kailash Vijayav

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A day after his tweet against actor Shah Rukh Khan unleashed a controversy, Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Kailash Vijayavargiya on Wednesday withdrew his tweet.

Alleging that his comment was misinterpreted, Vijayavargiya said he did not intent to hurt anyone.

Responding to Khan's recent remark on the growing culture of intolerance in the country, the BJP leader, in a series of tweets equated his actions to that of a traitor.

He went on to say, "To make India an intolerant nation is part of this conspiracy. Shah Rukh is now singing in the same tune of intolerance along with Pakistan and other anti-India forces." Also read | Shah Rukh Khan's heart is in Pakistan: Kailash Vijayavargiya

"When hundreds were killed in the 1993 Mumbai serials blasts where was Shah Rukh Khan? When Mumbai was attacked on 26/11 where was Shah Rukh then? Today the whole world is taking note of India's leadership, at this juncture talking about rising intolerance is like weakening India globally," he added.

While celebrating his 50th birthday in Mumbai, the actor has said he supports the artistes who have returned their awards and believes they are brave. However, he has never really been a part of something this "huge and meaningful" and he may return his Padma Shri "symbolically".

"Just a symbolic gesture, yes, If I have to," SRK said in response to a question by Rajdeep Sardesai during a Twitter Townhall interview with India Today.

The actor, who has been a part of blockbusters such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Devdas, was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2005.

"I respect the people, if they have a call that makes them feel that if the gesture is going to turn things around, I think it's very brave, very honest, very clean. As far as I am concerned, I've never participated in something as huge and as meaningful, as they have. But if it calls for it yes symbolically, yes, it is important if you feel cinema is suffering, then here's my national award. I stand by the people who take a stand," said Khan.

Vijayvargiya had come under attack over his tweets against Shah Rukh Khan with Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O'Brien terming them "sickening".

"Sickening remarks against Shah Rukh Khan by BJP general secretary also Bengal in-charge. What kind of attitude is this? Everyone else is bad and only you are good?" Derek had said in a statement.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also come out in support of the Bollywood superstar.

"We r all proud of you.@iamsrk Hope your words help to make a tolerant, inclusive and progressive India," he had tweeted.