Have to build secular force to fight 'non-secular' BJP: Congress

In the wake of the shocking resignation of senior Congress leader S.M Krishna, the grand old party has asked the veteran to think over his decision before launching attacks on the party.

Senior Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress which has always stood for its secularism, has to stand together to combat the non secular opposition.

Kharge further said that it is part and parcel of being a politician to feel neglected or less in value compared to others, but one must not feel disappointed and quit

"These instances keep taking place. I have also spent 45 years, have worked in opposition for 7 years, 25 years for congress, everything can't go your way all the time," he told ANI here.

"I still appeal to him, that at least reconsider his words as you are putting that's in country's benefit at stake. Especially in the times when BJP is in centre we need to build a secular force. He has come from socialist party, and then worked for Congress for over 45-50 years," he added.

Expressing pain over his ouster from the grand old party, Krishna alleged that the party had sidelined him citing his old age.

"The party demands only managers. They don't need time-tested leaders and workers like me. With pain and anguish, I have decided to quit the Congress. This is a time to do some introspection," Krishna told the media in a statement to media.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh will be voting for a new state assembly in a seven-phase election between February 11 and March 8. Out of the 403 assembly seats, Congress will be contesting in 105 seats and the Samajwadi Party will field its candidates in rest of the 298 seats.