Congress disapproves of Masood's remarks against Narendra Modi

New Delhi, March 28: Congress today disapproved of its Saharanpur candidate Imran Masood's controversial remarks threatening to "chop Narendra Modi into pieces".

"Congress party abjures violence whether of language or otherwise. We are determined to fight BJP as also Narendra Modi politically in order to protect the idea of India", party spokesman Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.

He said Rahul Gandhi has always asked partymen to restrain themselves from using objectionable remarks even against worst critics of Congress to ensure that the language and the words used never go beyond the realm of decency and decorum.

When explanation was sought from the candidate, he claimed he was being misquoted, Surjewala said, adding that Masood has been asked to give appropriate clarification to the media.

Masood's remarks triggered a controversy, inviting sharp criticism from BJP which termed the remark as "inflammatory" and sought strict action by the Election Commission. The video, which has gone viral on the web, shows Masood attacking the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate during an election rally in Saharanpur, saying he will "chop him into pieces".

As the matter came to light, a case has been registered against Masood at Devbad police station in the district. "If Modi tries to make Uttar Pradesh into Gujarat, then we will chop him into tiny pieces...I am not scared of getting killed or attacking someone. I will fight against Modi. He thinks UP is Gujarat. Only 4 per cent Muslims are there in Gujarat while there are 42 per cent Muslims in UP," Masood said.

However, he later apologised for his remarks, saying, "I should have been more cautious with my words" and that the same were said in the heat of electioneering.

PTI