Raipur, May 26 (IANS): Calling it a "cowardly act" on the part of Maoists, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Sunday said the strike was not an attack on the Congress or its leaders, but an attack on democratic values.

"This is a cowardly act. It is not an attack on Congress or its leaders but an attack on democratic values," Sonia Gandhi said, while addressing party workers at the Congress Bhawan here.

Lauding the courage of party workers, Gandhi said: "I appreciate the courage and bravery of the leaders who, despite several threats, visited Naxal affected areas."

A large number of Maoists Saturday attacked a Congress party convoy, blocking its way with felled trees, setting off a landmine blast and then opening fire.

The attack left at least 16 dead and over 25 injured.

Maoist strike an attack on democracy: Rahul Gandhi

Raipur, May 26 (IANS): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Sunday said the Maoist attack on the Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh was an attack on democracy.

"The attack on Congress party workers is an attack on democracy and the idea of our country," Gandhi told reporters here.

Responding to a question on the imposition of President's Rule in the state, the Gandhi family scion said: "It is not time to do politics here. It's a very sad incident and we all have to stand together."

A large number of Maoists, estimated to be any number from 350 to over a thousand, hiding behind bushes in a forested area of Chhattisgarh's southern Bastar area, Saturday attacked a Congress party convoy, carrying out a landmine blast and then opening fire, resulting in the death of 16 people, including two senior Congress leaders, and injuries to 25 others.