Khurshid rubbishes Modi's attack on Rahul

Says Narendra Modi lowering the level of political discourse

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today accused Narendra Modi of lowering the level of political discourse by attacking Rahul Gandhi's remarks that Pakistani intelligence agencies were trying to lure some of the victims of Muzaffarnagar violence to terrorism.

He strongly defended the Congress Vice President's statement, saying it was a "wake up call" and the attack on a statement made with care and concern is totally unacceptable.

"I feel a tremendous sense of dismay and distress that a public announcement made with sensitivity and seriousness expressed by way of a concern should be treated by BJP this way.

"It is not an endorsement...It is a wake up call based on tragic and serious incidents. If people don't understand, please come and ask us. Don't jump to conclusions. It should be seen in a historical context so that what is said you will understand", he told NDTV.

Khurshid rejected the suggestion that Rahul Gandhi and Congress were adopting a communal pitch.

"To say that BJP will make its campaign and to avoid any reference to communalism is asking for moon. Modi's attack shows some element of desperation. The level of discourse has been lowered by Modi which has to be condemned," he said.

Modi, speaking at a meeting in Jhansi, today attacked Gandhi for saying that ISI was in touch with Muslim youth of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and asked him to reveal the identity of such persons or apologise publicly for levelling "serious allegations" and "defaming" the entire community.