Congress attacks Narendra Modi for not attending NIC meet

NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi came under attack from Congress today for the failure of some BJP Chief Ministers, including him, to attend the National Integration Council meeting held in the backdrop of Muzaffarnagar communal riots alleging it showed their "utter disrespect" for national issues.

"It shows the scant respect the national leaders of BJP have for national issues. NIC is a 147-member high-powered committee in the country. (Someone who wants to be) future leader does not find time for the meeting", party spokesman P C Chacko told reporters.

Chacko said the absence of some BJP Chief Ministers, including Modi, was "most unfortunate" and showed their "utter disrespect" to national issues. He said if they had boycotted, then "we would have stronger words to say".

Replying to another question, Chacko said there cannot be a comparision between Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

He claimed while Modi was imposing himself on his party and the nation, the case was different with Gandhi who is liked by people.

When told that Modi has expressed readiness for an open debate with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chacko said party General Secretary Digvijay Singh has challenged the Gujarat Chief Minister to a debate and "let him accept that".