Cong rebufs BJP for comment on Afzal

New Delhi,Sep 30(UNI)The Congress today assailed the BJP for criticising it on the demand made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad for pardon to Mohammad Afzal Guru, sentenced to death in Parliament attack case, saying its comment was deplorable and illogical.

Not only the Chief Minister but all other parties in Jammu and Kashmir had demanded pardon for Afzal Guru and, therefore, those blaming the Congress for the Chief Minister's comment should also criticise those parties which echoed the demand, Chairperson of the Congress Media Cell Janaradan Dwivedi said.

''Those commenting on the Congress should also comment on other parties, some of whom are their allies,'' Mr Dwivedi said in an informal chat with mediapersons here.

Mr Dwivedi also described as deplorable the comment of some people equating Afzal Guru with Nalini, found guilty in the assassination of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and Ms Sonia Gandhi's remark on her.

Mr Dwivedi pointed out that Ms Gandhi had no legal position to say anything on Nalini, but it was on deep human consideration for welfare of her child that she had stated that Nalini be given clemency. ''It was on humanitarian ground for the sake of the future of Nalini's child that Ms Gandhi had said that clemency be granted to her.'' Stating that the Congress had paid a very heavy price in the death of Rajiv Gandhi, Mr Dwivedi said the Congress stand had always been against terrorism and would always remain so in future. It can never compromise with terrorism, he added.

Referring to the demand for pardon to Afzal Guru, Mr Dwivedi said the verdict of death sentence against Guru had been given by the court. There were certain established procedures and ultimately the matter had to go to the President, who had to decide. ''The Congress can not comment on it.'' UNI YS VA BD1942