Rahul's remark is an insult to Muslims: JD(U)

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Oct 25 2013 | 4:02 PM IST
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's assertion that Pakistan's ISI is trying to lure some Muslims in riot-hit Muzaffarnagar into terrorism is an insult for the entire community, JD(U) today said.
"Nobody has a right to question anybody's nationalism... If some people are in touch with Pakistan for anti-India activities, they should be dealt as per the law. But to drag the whole community into it is a insult for Muslims," party spokesperson KC Tyagi said in a press conference here.
The party also dismissed as non-issue Gandhi's invocations of the sacrifice of his family members.
"People gave his party more than 400 seats in 1984 when Indira Gandhi died and over 200 seats in 1991 when Rajiv Gandhi was killed. They have already paid their tribute. Emotional issues like caste, religion or family sacrifices are non-issues this time," he said
With no clear sign emerging on Congress-JD(U) tie-up for Lok Sabha elections, Tyagi said regional parties representing popular sentiments of their states would emerge victorious as it is beyond Congress to defeat communal forces led by Narendra Modi.
"There is this noise about NaMo, NaMo by some people because of the economic policies and bad governance of Congress. It failed to challenge of communal virus led by him and nor will it able to counter it now. The forces of regional sub-nationalism will be able to defeat him," he said.
Tyagi, though, added that efforts should be made that secular votes are not divided. Asked if party would ally with Congress, he said the party has not considered it yet.
Bihar Chief Minister and party leader Nitish Kumar's decision to join a Left parties rally here on October 30, likely to be attended by many regional parties, has given rise to speculation that JD(U) is looking at reviving Third Front to challenge Congress as well as BJP.
Tyagi, however, said talks about Third Front were completely baseless and the rally is meant to strengthen secularism and social justice.
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First Published: Oct 25 2013 | 4:02 PM IST

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