BJP's Naqvi disapproves of V K Singh's 'dog' remark

Urges people holding responsible positions to choose words carefully; decries politics over prices of pulses

Disapproving V K Singh's 'Dog' remark on burning of two Dalit children in Faridabad, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said people holding responsible positions "should choose their words carefully".

"People holding responsible positions ought to choose their words carefully. I do not approve his (Singh's) statement about which questions are being raised," Naqvi said, while replying to a query about his colleague Singh's "dog" remark and his subsequent outburst on the media.

Defending his controversial statement, the former army chief had alleged that some journalists had misinterpreted his utterances.

Naqvi, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, decried "politics being done over rising prices of pulses".

"The Narendra Modi government was committed to take every possible measure to make edible affordable for common people," he said.

On reports that Pakistani singer Adnan Sami is set to get Indian citizenship, Naqvi said, "The government will take a final decision on the issue. It is not yet clear why he is desirous of becoming an Indian citizen."

Asked about possible resistance from the Shiv Sena on the ground that Sami's father has been a Pakistani diplomat and soldier, Naqvi quipped, "They are our (BJP's) alliance partner".

"They are a part of the NDA. But that does not mean the government will shy away from doing something just because a coalition partner has its reservations," he added.