Allegations put forward by BJP baseless, matters of national security should not be politicised: Patel

New Delhi, Oct 28: Describing as 'completely baseless' the charges levelled by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani' alleging his possible links to a suspected terrorist arrested earlier in the week from his home district of Bharuch, Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Saturday said matters of national security should not be politicised keeping the elections in mind. In a statement on social media, Mr Patel said,'My party and I appreciate the ATS’s effort to nab the two terrorists. I demand strict and speedy action against them. The allegations put forward by BJP are completely baseless. We request that matters of national security not be politicised keeping elections in mind. Let’s not divide peace loving Gujaratis while fighting terrorism.' Mr Rupani last night demanded resignation of Congress veteran Ahmed Patel from the Rajya Sabha alleging his possible links to a suspected terrorist arrested earlier in the week from his home district of Bharuch. Mr Rupani, who also sought Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's clarification on the matter, was referring to Mohammed Qasim Stimberwala, one of the two alleged IS operatives arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad from Surat on Wednesday. The Congress also slammed the statement by the Gujarat CM, charging the BJP with politicising matters of National security with an eye on the forthcoming assembly polls in Gujarat. 'Sensing a near defeat in the Gujarat assembly polls, the BJP National leadership and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani are resorting to cheap tactics to win the elections. Day after day they are indulging in new conspiracies. Latest in the series of such conspiracies is the statement by Mr Rupani against Mr Patel. It shows the depths of political cheapness to which the head of the BJP Government can stoop to when a certain defeat in the assembly polls is in sight,' Mr Surjewala said. While asserting that Mr Patel or members of his family were not associated with the charitable trust managing the hospital, Mr Surjewala charged the BJP and the Gujarat CM with politicising matters of national security. 'Any politicising of the matters of national security cannot be tolerated .The Congress party and Mr Ahmed Patel have stated that strict and speedy action be taken by the ATS against the terrorists,'Mr Surjewala said. Mr Surjewala said the statement by the Gujarat CM was an attempt to divert attention from the failure of the Gujarat Government on the issue of employment, development and trade. 'The reality is that the people of Gujarat are seeking answers from the BJP Government in the state on the issues of employment, development and trade. 'The frustration of not having the answers to these questions is leading the BJP Government to indulge in conspiracies to divert the attention of the public,' Mr Surjewala said. UNI