Congress not defending Afzal: Shukla

Dehra Dun, Oct 18 (UNI) Denying the opposition's charge that the Congress was soft on terrorism in context of the clemency issue of Mohammad Afzal Guru, party spokesman Rajeev Shukla today said ''in fact, maximum numbers of terrorists were convicted during its rule''.

Addressing a press conference here, when asked about few Congress leaders supporting clemency for Mohammad Afzal Guru, convicted in Parliament attack in 2001, he said, '' Congress definitely considers Afzal as a hard core terrorist. However it is not the person that the party is supporting but it is the right to appeal for amnesty to the President under a democratic set up.'' On strategy on alliance and candidature for the forthcoming Assembly election due in four states, Mr Shukla said, ''Let there be an official announcement of election. Strategy on every aspects will be chalked out later.'' UNI XC AK DS1620