Distancing itself from the controversy over the poll panel writing to the president on Law Minister Salman Khurshid's defiant stand on quota for backward Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress on Sunday said that the minister should follow the law of the land.
"Congress always wants that all the Congressmen should speak as per norms of public life and law of the land," Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters here.
Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quarishi on Saturday wrote a strongly-worded letter to the president, saying the poll panel found the tone and tenor of the union minister's latest remarks 'utterly contemptuous about the commission's lawful direction to him'.
The president has sent the letter to the prime minister's office for 'appropriate action'.
Avoiding any direct comment on the issue, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal said the poll panel should be concerned over things happening in the state.
"Somebody gave a statement and there must be some thought behind it. EC has its own view and they are taking their action. I cannot comment more," said Sibal.
The poll panel had censured Khurshid over his promise to give nine percent quota to minorities, including backward Muslims, within 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) if the Congress is voted to power in Uttar Pradesh, saying it was a violation of the model code of conduct.