BJP trying to gain political mileage of terrorism: Maha CM

Bangalore, Nov 18 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said Congress would use as a poll plank in the coming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP's alleged open support to terrorism perpetrated by rightist Hindu organisations.

Speaking to reporters after calling on former Maharashtra Governor and Congress leader S M Krishna at the latter's residence, he alleged that the saffron party was trying to gain political mileage out of the terror activities in the nation.

Mr Deshmukh was on a private visit to the city.

''BJP always projected a certain community of indulging in terrorism to get political benefits. But now it has become quite evident that terror has no religious barriers,'' he said.

The Chief Minister refused to comment over the arrest of Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur saying the case was in the court.

Meanwhile, Mr S M Krishna said the episode of Congress leader Margaret Alva being stripped of all her party posts was a warning to the leaders who levelled baseless charges against the party leadership.

''Ms Alva has been suitably dealt with. She should not have levelled such baseless allegations in public and instead should have discussed in a party forum,'' he said.

He said the leaders should treat this as a warning bell and maintain discipline.

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