Shah's remarks irresponsible, we don't need certificate: Cong

The Congress today termed as "irresponsible" the remarks of BJP President Amit Shah in which he questioned whether the party was contesting elections in India or Pakistan and said it does not need any certificate from the ruling party on patriotism.
Congress leader Anand Sharma also attacked the government's version of Pakistani boat incident, saying conflicting" comments were being made by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the issue.
"It confirms arrogance and also portrays the ruling party as irresponsible. You cannot talk this about the Indian National Congress, which has a long history of serving the nation, right from the freedom struggle and post independence.

"We also have a history of fighting terrorism and making the supreme sacrifices. Our leaders including Indira and Rajiv Gandhi were martyred. We dont need a certificate on patriotism either from Amit Shah, the BJP or the RSS," he told reporters here.
Sharma, Congress' Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, went on to add, "When it comes to the challenge of terrorism, the Congress has always been at the forefront and maintains that the country must be stand united to fight it."
Shah had yesterday slammed the Congress for raising doubts over the Pakistani boat incident, and had asked the opposition party whether it was fighting elections in India or Pakistan.

Targeting the government over the boat issue, Sharma said "within the government there has to be a policy. Look at the statements of the Defence Minister and the Home Minister."
He claimed that the statement of Parrikar was "not clear" or categorical whereas the Home Minister has made a categorical statement.
"There needs to be no space for any kind of speculation which is untrue. The Prime Minister has to ensure that the statements from the Home Minister and the Defence Minister are fully coordinated," the Congress leader said.