Several Congress leaders launched a sharp attack on Gujarat CM Narendra Modi over his remarks on their party and PM Manmohan Singh.

As Modi described Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a "night watchman", the Congress reminded him about political decency. "Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister of the country and not that of the Congress party. He should be given the respect he deserves," Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said.

Former Congress minister Mani Shankar Aiyer tried to match Modi word for word: "he is a poisonous snake, a scorpion. If he criticizes us, it is like a compliment," Aiyer said.

Accusing Modi of being "abusive and indecent" minister of state for parliamentary affairs Rajeev Shukla quipped, "No night watchman can play for nine years. I think he (Modi) should first learn the definition of night watchman."

A section of the opposition also slammed Modi for his comments. CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta told HT, "These remarks are totally uncalled for. This is not consummate with his high position that Modi enjoys. It is also absurd to make distinction between Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukhejree."

Trinamool leader Saugata Roy, however, said, "There is a grain of truth in what he said about Pranab Mukherjee as Prime Minister."