Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hit out at Congress for their leaders’ remarks questioning the execution of Mumbai blast convict Yakub Memon. He asked Congress President Sonia Gandhi to explain why they are making such statements on the issue which is related to country’s security. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr. Jaitley termed Congress’ comments on the issue as politically influenced and irresponsible.

Earlier in the day, Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Shashi Tharoor and Mani Shankar Aiyar had expressed displeasure over the execution of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict.

Mr. Jaitley also accused the opposition party of playing cheap politics by not allowing discussion on the recent Gurdaspur terror attack in the Rajya Sabha.

He said the attack was a very serious incident because a major cross border attack had recurred but Congress preferred to do politics even on the issue of national security. He said mainstream national parties are expected to react in responsible manner and not to show country as a divided house.He said Congress President should also explain to the people about the reason behind not allowing debate in the Rajya Sabha today.