Congress takes high road on Modi letter row: 'Nation is bigger'

The Congress on Wednesday expressed its disapproval about some Members of Parliament writing to United States President Barack Obama, seeking denial of visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying the "nation is bigger than politics".

"The nation is bigger than politics. We do not know what individuals are doing. The issue has not been discussed in any fora of the party or that of Parliament. Nothing has been discussed. It is a non-issue (for us)," party spokesman Raj Babbar told reporters.

Babbar, a member of the Lok Sabha, said MPs could approach the Privileges Committee if they are alleging that their signatures were forged.

The reaction of the party came at a time when a major controversy has arisen over the move, with some MPs denying having signed the letter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party also accused the Congress's "dirty tricks department" of being behind the letter and demanded a probe.

Latching on to the denials by Communist Party of India - Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury, Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam Member of Parliament K P Ramalingam and Communist Party of India MP M P Achutan, a BJP lawmaker has now written to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, seeking a probe into alleged forgery of signatures.

Sudarshan Bhagat, BJP MP from Lohardaga, Jharkhand, on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Speaker, saying some MPs have said they have not signed the letter to Obama.