Modi not to attend President's Iftar: BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't attend the Iftar party to be hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday evening due to other "important programmes", the BJP said.

The Congress questioned the decision, saying it reflected the thinking of the prime minister.

"Modi has a meeting with chief ministers of northeastern states on Wednesday (evening). He will chair a meeting with the chief ministers to discuss major developmental projects. He will also launch the 'Skill India' campaign in the evening," BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said.

The president is hosting an Iftar on Wednesday. The guest list includes leaders of all major political parties, apart from diplomats.

Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said only Modi could tell the reasons for not going to the Iftar hosted by the president but the party was not surprised.

"Iftar party at the president's residence is like a national event. However, the prime minister has chosen not to attend it. This reflects how he thinks," Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said.

He said Modi talks of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (With all, growth of all) and it should reflect in all his actions.