Union Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh slammed Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his controversial statement in Pakistan media. (Press Trust of India file photo)
Slamming Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his controversial statement in Pakistani media, Union Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh today said the comments were not in good taste.
"Our party has already given its reaction. I know him very well. Many times a well-educated man says small things," he told reporters in Hyderabad.
Responding to questions on the BJP's rout in Bihar Assembly polls and criticism directed against the top leadership by sections in the party, Mr Singh said it is a matter of "collective responsibility."
"This is people's verdict. You cannot make out who is responsible," he said.
Asked if he did not think that somebody should be held responsible for the resounding defeat, he said the blame cannot be put on individuals.
"You have to see where you will lack; you cannot put blame on individuals. This is the verdict of the people," Mr Singh said.
"When one goes to contest, he makes sure that he makes best efforts to win. That does not mean when you don't win, you blame individuals," he added.