Congress today agreed with Vice President Hamid Ansari's plea for an "affirmative action" towards minorities, stating that there was "nothing wrong with the comment".
Party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that the party does not comment on statements of constitutional post holders, but its stand is clear.
"Yes. Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas is an article of faith with us. It is not a slogan," he said, adding that the party was for a "non-discriminatory inclusive approach".
Singhvi recalled that when the Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre, it had set up the Sachar Committee which looked into the socio-economic status of the minorities.
"I don't think anyone in the Congress is apologetic about it," he said.
The Vice President had recently demanded "affirmative action" to address the problems of identity and security confronting the Muslims in the country, in line with Modi government's official objective of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'.
The comments were widely criticised by the VHP and the saffron party.
However, on being asked about RSS reportedly raising the issue of Ram Mandir in its crucial three-day meeting of top ministers and BJP leaders, which began here today, Singhvi said that the matter does not account for much importance.
Whenever any election nears, the RSS raises such issues. When the election is over, then the BJP says that the issue was not on its agenda, he added.
