PM's comment a 'mischievous' attempt to reopen old wounds: Congress

The Congress Party on Monday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to rake up the 1984 riots as a 'mischievous' attempt to reopen old wounds and alleged that he had made the comments for personal and political gains.

"The PM's statement is politically motivated and a mischievous attempt to reopen the wounds of 31 years ago when India did suffer a tragedy. He has clearly done so to divert attention from rising concerns in country over orchestrated campaigns to create atmosphere of fear," Congress leader Anand Sharma told a press conference.

Recalling former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's message of 'raj dharma' when the 2002 Gujarat riots took place, Sharma said Prime Minister Modi had conveniently forgotten the message that was specifically meant for him.

"There's great climate of intolerance prevailing in the country. People from all sections of the society are criticizing him. Even now he has chosen not to respond to the concerns expressed by eminent Indians, our scientists, authors, poets, film producers and others. He must remember his constitutional and moral responsibilities as a Prime Minister," he added.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier today reminded the opposition of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while attempting to silence the grand old party for criticising the government over the growing intolerance in the country.

"They (Congress) have been in power for more than 35 years. Today is November 2. Remember November 2 of 1984. There was killing of Sikhs in the entire nation following the days when Indira Gandhi was assassinated. There were serious allegations against the Congress Party and its leaders," he said while addressing a rally in Purnea.