As in the past, Congress will continue fight against religious fundamentalism: Digvijay Singh

Congress Party leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday criticised Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind chief Syed Mehmood Madani for his remarks against the ruling party, and said the Congress will continue to raise its voice against all forms of religious fundamentalism in the country.

Singh also said Madani's remarks would not deter the ruling party.

"As far as Mehmood Madani is concerned-he's a friend of mine-he should understand that the Congress is not in the habit of scaring people by putting someone's face before the people. We are those people, we are that party, who have fought against religion fundamentalism-Hindu or Muslim-before partition and will continue to fight against it in the future," Singh said.

"That is why, I ask Mehmood bhai to abstain from making these kinds of remarks. The Congress Party does not work on his accordance and will not be afraid by any of his statements," he added.

Earlier, Madani had accused the Congress Party of fanning fears about Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, but later said he had been misquoted.

The Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind chief also refused to comment on whether he had endorsed Modi.

"Why do you want me to say this right now? There is still time for elections," he said.

Speaking at a conference on the demand for reservation for Muslims at Jaipur's Birla Auditorium, Madani had earlier said: "The Muslim community should not be scared. Secularism is deep rooted in the country and communal forces can never win over the hearts of the general public."

"Congress should not try to get Muslim votes by creating fear about somebody. The party should look at possibilities of community welfare which they have not done so far," he added.