Taking strong exception to some of its leaders calling for not demonising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress on Tuesday said if the opposition starts singing praises for those in power, then "democracy will be destroyed".
Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said unlike the BJP, everyone has the right to express themselves in the Congress as the party has not indulged in "demonisation" as some of the BJP leaders have.
"If the opposition gets into singing praises, then democracy will be destroyed," he said, when asked about the comments made by some Congress leaders in favour of Modi.
Asked about his advice to such leaders praising Modi, he said, "I have quit giving advice, everyone should realise their responsibility."
Asked to comment on action being contemplated by Kerala Congress against Tharoor for his remarks, he said, "I can't comment on it. It would be between the general secretary in-charge Mukul Wasnik and the PCC chief. I believe, he is in Kerala as we are talking. Rahul Gandhi ji is visiting Wayanad and I am sure that they will talk among themselves. I am not a general secretary of the party who is authorised to make an informed statement."
Taking a strong view over Tharoor's remarks, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Mullappally Ramachandran said several party leaders and workers have approached the leadership with complaints against his "Modi praise."
The former Union minister has been facing flak from party leaders in Kerala in the last few days for his "Modi praise."