Lalu, Mulayam have shocked Congress: Sri Prakash Jaiswal

Expressing strong displeasure over Lalu Prasad and Mulayam Singh Yadav having termed the UPA government as "anti-Muslim", Congress today said it was "shocked" by their behaviour more than it was surprised by Mayawati voting in its favour during the cut motion.
   
"Lalu and Mulayam have left us appalled by their charge that the UPA government is anti-Muslim. They had shocked us earlier by choosing to walk out during voting on the cut motion. They shocked us once again by their behaviour in the Parliament yesterday," senior Congress leader and Union minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal told reporters here.
   
"It is hard to understand that, on the one hand, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad claim to have extended their support to UPA during installation of the government and, on the other hand, they behave in such fashion at a critical juncture," he said.

"In comparison, Mayawati's decision to vote in favour of the government was not so much of a surprise as she also happens to be supporting the UPA. Her latest decision only fell in line with her earlier stance," Jaiswal said.
   
"Moreover, Lalu-Mulayam's charge that the government being anti-Muslim is simply outrageous. Congress is the only party that has cared for the minorities. Why else would have the government set up the Sachar Committee," he asked.

Replying to a query, Jaiswal said the Congress would not cease to criticise BSP or any other party as far as the interests of the poor was concerned.

"Our stand will not be diluted even after Mayawati's party having voted in our favour."