Congress should clear whether Chidambaram's Kashmir autonomy statement is also party's stand: Arun Jaitley

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley reacted sharply to P Chidambaram's remarks on autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir by saying that the Congress is deceiving the country, itself by encouraging separatism in the state.

"It is hurting India's national interest," he told ANI.

 The finance minister also said the Congress needs to clarify whether this is the party's stand or just the personal opinion of a senior party leader.

Earlier, Union minister Smriti Irani on Saturday said she was 'shocked and disgusted' at former finance minister P Chidambaram's remarks about 'breaking union of India into pieces'.

"Although I must admit that I am not surprised by Chidambaram's statement, as it reflects the Congress' mentality," Irani said while speaking to news agency ANI.

She also lashed out at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying that he supported students of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who allegedly said that they they would break India into tiny pieces. "What is the message Cong is trying to give, that at their doorstep of political gain they are willing to sacrifice nationhood?" Irani asked.

Chidambaram landed in controversy after saying that Kashmir needed autonomy. "My interactions in Jammu and Kashmir led me to the conclusion that when they ask for 'Azadi', most people want autonomy". Trying to sort of find a middle-line to solve the Kashmir problem, P Chidambaram said that government must consider areas to give autonomy to J&K. He said, " It will remain a part of India but will have larger powers as promised under Article 370".