Modi's statement irresponsible: Cong

Dubbing the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's statement that "Mumbai terror attack had local support" as "irresponsible", the Congress on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party leader should have informed the police if he knew about it.

"Modi should not give such irresponsible statements, which affects the fight against terrorism and strengthens Pakistan's hands. He should not forget that he is a Chief Minister, the constitutional head of a state on the Pakistan side of the border," All India Congress Committee spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told media persons in New Delhi.

Calling for the need of domestic unity in the fight against terrorism, Singhvi said such statements not only provide ammunition to Pakistan but also weakens India's war against terror.

"We will request our so-called nationalist friends like Modi not to muddy the water, and sow doubts," Singhvi said.

Asked to comment on Maharashtra Congress leader Narayan Rane's statement that 26/11 would not have been possible without local support, Singhvi said, "We will condemn who ever makes such statements irrespective of the party to which he belongs".

To a question whether terrorism would be an election plank for the Congress, Singhvi said, "It is an issue, which touches our lives, the issue of paramount importance".