UP Cong chief Babbar holds 'kanya punjan', invites charges of 'misusing religion'

Uttar Pradesh Congress held Wednesday a Navratri 'kanya pujan' function at the party headquarters to honour young girls, attracting the BJP charge of misusing religion for votes.

UP Congress chief Raj Babbar Babbar held the 'kanya pujan' along with party leaders and workers amid chanting of holy 'mantras' (hymns).

The Congress Sewa Dal claimed it has been organising the ceremony every year in all state districts.

During the function Babbar offered gifts and food packets to young girls, who are "worshipped" as part of the Navratri celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Babbar said his party has been giving the same respect to all religions and will continue to do so in future as well.

The BJP attacked the Congress dismissing its claims.

BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said it is "ironical" that the Congress, which has coined terms like "Hindu terror" and dubbed Hindutva as "bigger threat" than Lashkar-e-Taiba is now holding such functions of religious fervour for "obvious political reasons."