Shinde's remarks setback for India's fight against terror: BJP

"Shinde's statements have been appreciated by Hafiz Sayeed and Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik. This has resulted as a big setback for India at the international front. The remarks are a threat to the nation," Hussain said at a protest rally in Dogra Chowk here.

He said the Home Minister's comments "reflect the ideology of Congress", which has "always forced the country to bow before" terrorism and separatism.

"Congress has been in the habit of labelling nationalist parties as terror units, while its leader Digvijay Singh uses terms like 'Osama ji' and 'Hafiz Saeed sahab' to honour the terrorists," Hussain said.

The party spokesperson said the BJP will continue to protest till Shinde is ousted from the Union cabinet.

Asserting that BJP is not biased on the basis of religion, Hussain said when the NDA was in power, it did not extend benefits of Central schemes to people on the basis of religion.

When asked whom will the party project as its prime ministerial candidate, Hussain said it would be announced "after the elections".