The Hindu : New Delhi News : Congress remarks anger BJP

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Congress remarks anger BJP

New Delhi: The war of words between the two major parties over the Jaipur blasts has refused to subside, with the BJP on Saturday demanding the removal of Shakeel Ahmed from the Union Ministry for his remarks against its leaders and the Congress rejecting it outright.

“His comments are irresponsible, shameful, lacking in political grace and thoroughly condemnable. How can he equate Advani and the Rajasthan Chief Minister with terrorists?” BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said. Mr. Ahmed while commenting on Mr. Advani and Vasundhara Raje had said those who were trying to take political advantage of the terror attacks in Jaipur should also be condemned just as terrorists were.

Mr. Prasad said Mr. Ahmed as a Minister at the Centre should have realised that he was commenting on Mr. Advani, who has been the Deputy Prime Minister, and Ms. Raje, the Chief Minister of a State.

“Shakeel Ahmed ought to be sacked from the Cabinet for his irresponsible utterances. The Congress should apologise for its leader’s comments against Advani and BJP leaders.

Rejected

Mr. Ahmed, who is an AICC spokesman, said the Congress rejected the BJP’s demands. “I stand by the statement I made in the Congress briefing... We reject outright the demand for an apology. We are proud of what we have said. What I said, I said in my capacity as the national spokesman of the Congress and the party is standing by the statement,” Mr. Ahmad said. — PTI

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