Cong raps Shinde for RSS remarks

The Congress on Wednesday took strong objections to home minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s remarks on Hindu and saffron terror, saying terrorism should not be linked to any religion or colour.

The Congress on Wednesday took strong objections to home minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s remarks on Hindu and saffron terror, saying terrorism should not be linked to any religion or colour.

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The virtual snub came on a day when the BJP announced nationwide protests against Shinde's remarks that Hindu terrorist are being promoted at the camps of RSS and BJP.

"Congress never uses words like Hindu terror or saffron terror. Terrorism has no religion or colour. Congress had made this clear earlier also," senior general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said.

He said Shinde’s remarks appeared to be a slip of tongue when he was talking about the probe into Malegaon and Mecca Masjid blasts in which people associated with outfits close to RSS have been arrested.

“How can we have an objection to saffron colour. Kesaria has been part of old tradition of a large part of the country. Saffron is also one of the colours of our national flag as well as that of the party...,” Dwivedi said.

The home minister later said he “fully agreed” with his party’s clarification.

The BJP, however, stepped up its attack on Shinde. “Indians are sad and Pakistan is happy after Shinde’s comments. This has boosted confidence of those who beheaded the martyr,” BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The RSS too demanded an apology from Shinde.