Strongly reacting to Pakistan's denial of meddling in Gujarat Assembly elections -- a charge made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- India on Monday said that Islamabad must stop giving lessons on democracy as its "promotion to terrorism" is well known.
Addressing the media, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Completely abhor outside interference in India's internal affairs. Pakistan's promotion of terrorism in India is well known but Pakistan must stop giving us lessons, we are proud of our democracy. Condemn this unwarranted statement".
Earlier today, Pakistan refuted PM Modi’s allegations that Islamabad was trying to influence the ongoing Gujarat Assembly elections, saying that India’s politicians should not drag the country into its domestic politics during campaigning, and should win own on their own strength.
"India should stop dragging Pakistan into its electoral debate and win victories on own strength rather than fabricated conspiracies, which are utterly baseless and irresponsible," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter.
Islamabad termed PM Modi’s allegations of a recent “secret meeting” attended by Congress leadership, including Mani Shankar Aiyar, and Pakistani officials as “fabricated conspiracies, which are utterly baseless and irresponsible”.
PM Modi yesterday claimed at an election rally that there was an attempt by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.
Modi also raised questions about the alleged appeal by former director general (DG) of the Pakistan Army Sardar Arshad Rafiq for making senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel chief minister of Gujarat.
Modi alleged that Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had held a meeting at his house which was attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, a former Indian vice president, Pakistan's high commissioner in India, and a former Pakistani foreign minister.
"On one hand, Pakistan Army's former DG is interfering in Gujarat's election, and on the other, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don't you think such events raise doubts?" the prime minister had said while addressing a poll rally in Gujarat.
However, Congress turned down PM Modi's allegations, calling it an attempt by the BJP to polarize the Gujarat elections.
"PM has said Congress is conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat elections.Its outrageous. This is just an attempt to polarize ahead of second phase of voting.This also shows his desperation and that BJP's loss is now guaranteed," said Congress leader Anand Sharma.
"Ex-Pakistan Foreign Minister was here to attend a wedding, there was a dinner organized for him in which there were former diplomats,former Army chief among other dignitaries.Does PM think they were all conspiring with Pak? Reprehensible. PM must apologize" he added.
