TNN
 
New Delhi, Oct 30: To deflect the pressure mounted by political parties in the wake of the arrest of Sadhvi Pragya in connection with the Malegaon blast, BJP on Wednesday launched a counter-offensive against Congress and its allies.

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said a "much more seasoned and nationalist" approach was needed to address "critical issues". He also condemned the use of the term "Hindu terror", saying it had hurt the secular fabric of the country.

"The nation requires a much more seasoned and nationalistic approach to such critical issues. The nation needs to ponder a larger question. Should we condemn an entire religion or way of life for the indiscretions or misguided actions of but a few?" asked Prasad.

Congress has asked BJP to come clean on charges of terror linkages. Prasad said, "BJP is amazed at the sheer hypocrisy of Congress over the manner in which it has sought to attack us on the issue of arrests of certain persons. The party's position on the issue of terrorism is that terrorists have no religion and must be punished."

"Congress, which has openly patronised and encouraged elements which bred and spread terrorism, certainly has no moral right whatsoever to criticize BJP. Right from the manner Congress encouraged (Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh) Bhindranwale which led to the burning of Punjab to Ulfa, the history of Congress is but a progression of such activities," he added.