Dasmunsi asks Rajnath to explain Orissa violence

Shillong, Feb 22: Maintaining its secularity, the Congress today asked BJP President Rajnath Singh to explain to the people the recent attacks on Christians in Orissa. ''Let Rajnath Singh answer to the people in Meghalaya why Christians were not allowed to celebrate Christmas in Orissa,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Das Munshi said while addressing an election rally at a BJP bastion in Meghalaya.

His attacks on the BJP chief assumed significance in view of Mr Singh launching his campaign in the NCP's heartland in Garo Hills. Blaming the BJP for attacks on minorities, the Congress leader said he failed to understand, why people in Meghalaya elect BJP candidates as their representatives to the assembly. ''I can understand if it's in Gujarat and other places that allows fanatics to rule, but not in Meghalaya,'' he stated. The BJP has fielded 23 candidates this time and was tying to improve its tally of two legislators in the 60-member Assembly. The Congress is contesting all the seats.

UNI