Congress mocks Narendra Modi for inviting Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony

NEW DELHI: The Congress has slammed Narendra Modi for inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend his swearing-in ceremony, saying the conditions are not conducive and that the BJP's PM-designate is getting carried away in excitement.

The party reminded Modi that Pakistan had not dismantled the terror network operating from its soil. "In the euphoria of his coronation, Modi should not forget that there is no such ambience or atmosphere for serious talks," said Congress general secretary Shakeel Ahmed.

Congress targeted Modi for inviting Sharif as during his prime ministership Pakistan forced war on India by entering into Kargil. Youth Congress chief Rajiv Satav said, "527 soldiers died and 1350 were injured in Kargil and the leadership of Pakistan was with Nawaz Sharif. Calling him to India now is an insult to that sacrifice."

The party also referred to Friday's attack by suspected Taliban terrorists on the Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanistan is an indication in this direction.

The Congress reminded BJP's PM-designate that outgoing PM Manmohan Singh never visited Pakistan nor did he invite his Pakistani counterparts as UPA stuck to the policy of disengagement till the neighbouring country dismantled terror network.

"We had a precondition with which the opposition was also in agreement that as long as Pakistan does not dismantle the terror network operating from its soil or at least works towards such a direction, there will be no engagement," he said.

The party taunted Modi, saying it has no issues if the BJP leader wants to have a snap with Sharif which gets published in the newspapers.