Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi, a prominent Shia cleric, said such statements not only painted the Muslim community in bad light but also strengthened the communal forces. He said these were a "grave insinuation" on millions of peace loving and patriotic Muslims in the country.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi during his 'Dhanyabad Rally' in Rampur on 23 October, 2013. Pic: PTI