Nothing more harmful to India: Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray have criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that Hindu radical groups posed a greater threat to India than the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

After a private function here on Saturday, Mr. Modi told journalists: “I always used to wonder why [the United States of] America takes a stand favouring Pakistan despite the fact that the whole world considers it a terror state. [After the leaked comment], it is clear now who gives the U.S. the information and the inspiration to support Pakistan.”

Wrong impression

The U.S. stand in respect of Pakistan, he said, was different because of the impression created by such comments that Pakistan was not the cause of India's main problem.

“There is nothing more harmful to India than this [comment]. It has played to Pakistan's benefit.”

“Don't act smart”

In a write-up in the Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamna , Mr. Bal Thackeray warned Mr. Gandhi of dire consequences. “Don't act smart. We will retaliate if you unnecessarily badmouth the Hindus,” he said.

He blamed the Gandhi-Nehru family for “traditionally worshipping fundamentalist Muslims and secessionist forces.”