Congress asks PM to introspect before pointing fingers at others

The Congress on Tuesday sought a clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his meeting with self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, presently in jail in connection with a rape case, and said that the BJP's star campaigner should first look within before pointing fingers at his political rivals.

"These 'Babas' are an integral part of Indian politics. There are many good people in them and some fake people as well. When he points fingers at others, even he gets blamed," Congress leader Manish Tewari told ANI.

"Now there is this 'Baba', who is presently in jail in connection with a rape case. Now the Prime Minister will have to give a clarification that if you have problem if Nitish Kumar meets with a 'Baba' then what will you say about yourself," he added.

Another Congress leader P.L Punia said Prime Minister Modi, who had earlier been critical of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD boss Lalu Prasad Yadav, stands exposed today.

"He (Narendra Modi) used to allege that Lalu and Nitish go to tantric and today even his video got revealed," said Punia.

"The campaigning has gone down to such a level which is criticisable. Using this kind of language being a Prime Minister is not acceptable. No Prime Minister has spoken like this before," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, the JD (U) showed an old photograph of Prime Minister Modi meeting Asaram Bapu.

The BJP had earlier released a video which showed the Bihar Chief Minister meeting and hugging a tantrik.

In the video, the tantrik is heard saying 'jindabad, Lalu murdabad' to Nitish.