Congress slams Pakistan Minister for remarks on Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Congress today joined BJP in attacking Pakistan for its remarks on Narendra Modi and demanded immediate handing over of India's most wanted fugitive Dawood Ibrahim.

"If such a statement is made by the Pakistan's Interior Minister, this is very unfortunate, condemnable and the Pakistan government must do introspection on it," Congress leader and Union Minister Manish Tewari told reporters here.

He was reacting to Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan's claimed that Modi, if elected as India's Prime Minister, would "destabilise" regional peace.

Khan's comments came after Modi questioned Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's attitude of making public government's efforts to bring back Dawood Ibrahim.

Tewari said Dawood, prime accused in the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, is the most wanted fugitive in the country and there are several serious cases registered against him.

The Congress leader said Pakistan should hand over Dawood to India if he is taking shelter in that country.

"If such a person, against whom many serious charges were framed, is staying in Pakistan, it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to hand him over to India," he said.

BJP has also criticised Pakistan for attacking Narendra Modi and asked it to "mend" its ways, saying the "manner" in which they have been functioning with India "will not work".