Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge today refused to speak on the controversy over its remarks on banning Bajrang Dal in the party's manifesto for Karnataka. "Dr Parameshwara has already clarified. He was the chairman of the drafting committee. He has already replied yesterday, I don't want to reply," he told NDTV. "Once my party people have replied, I don't want to give my individual opinion," he added.
Asked about Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's comment that Bajrang Dal leaders will rebel against Congress, he said, "Whatever Bommai is saying, he said... We are not obliged to reply to Bommai's queries or if he wants to say (anything), our people are there at state level, they will reply".
While releasing its manifesto for the May 10 assembly elections in Karnataka, the Congress had said that it is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations such as the Bajrang Dal and the Popular Front of India (PFI), including banning them, for "spreading hatred" among communities over caste and religion.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress, calling the party's ban promise an attempt to lock up the devotees of Lord Hanuman. The Congress had earlier locked up Lord Ram, and now it wanted to lock up those who chant 'Jai Bajrang Bali' (Hail Hanuman), he said.
The Congress, in response, said it was shameful that the Prime Minister has drawn such a parallel. "The Prime Minister is insulting our faith in Lord Hanuman. He should apologise to the country as he has hurt our religious sentiments. No one has given the Prime Minister the right to insult Bajrang Bali," said senior Congress leader Pawan Khera.
"Manipur, Its People Suffering Silently": M Kharge's SOS To President "Reserved For PM": M Kharge Claims Not Allowed Into Airport Lounge Bags Of Mallikarjun Kharge, Nana Patole, Uddhav Thackeray Checked Amid Luggage Row Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest Maharashtra Chief Minister Pick Contentious For Both Ruling, Opposition Camps 4 Members Of 'Band Baja Baraat' Gang Arrested From Delhi-Gurugram Border Man Caught On Camera Abusing Pet Dog In Greater Noida, Arrested Putin Hints At Strikes On West In "Global" Ukraine War Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.