Hindus don't "contribute to riots," they are peace-loving, says Assam Chief Minister Sarma

In an interview with NDTV, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extolled the virtues of India's Hindu population, saying that they do not "contribute to riots" and are "peace-loving."

“Hindus are peace-loving. They do not indulge in rioting. Hindus as a community do not even believe in jihad. The Hindu community will never indulge in rioting," he said in the interview.

The BJP leader made the remarks when asked about incidents of communal violence, going to add that Hindus don't believe in the concept of 'jihad.'

Sarma also talked about his earlier remarks on Rahul Gandhi - the Assam CM said that the Congress leader "looks like Saddam Hussein - and about his 'wasted years' in the Congress party.

“Rahul looks beautiful and is a glamourous person. But, as of now, you compare photos (of Saddam Hussein and him), and see for yourself," Sarma said in the NDTV interview.

The Assam leader defended his remarks, saying that he was only giving the Gandhi scion advice and that Rahul would look like former Prime Minister Nehru if he shaved.

He also talked about his switch from the Congress to the BJP, saying that he "wasted 22 years of his life" in the party.