Congress downplays Khurshid's remarks

Herald Globe (IANS) Friday 10th February, 2012

A day after the Election Commission censured Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid for announcing a sub quota for minorities ahead of Uttar Pradesh polls, the Congress Friday downplayed another of his controversial remarks on the Batla House shootout.

"Khurshid told me that it was misinterpretation of his statement...he has clarified the issue...there is no need to add to it," Congress spokesperson Renuka Chaudhary told reporters here.

Addressing a rally in Azamgarh Thursday, Khurshid claimed that "photographs of the 2008 Batla House shootout brought party chief Sonia Gandhi to tears".

On Friday, Khurshid denied his statement and instead said that Gandhi had "become emotional when she saw the pictures".

Chaudhary also sought to refute the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that Khurshid was asking for votes in the name of religion.

"Salman did not ask for votes in the name of religion," said Chaudhary, adding "the EC's wisdom has been acknowledged".

Stating that reservation did not reflect religion, she said that giving reservation to women, the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and minorities is not just a religion issue but related to their economic condition.