Vajpayee should explain ‘friendly appeal’: Congress

The Congress on Friday sought to downplay Jethmalani’s withdrawal from the contest and demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister as to what ‘‘frightened’’ him to request his main opponent to get out of the fray. ‘‘It is unprecedented that Vajpayee, who is the mascot of the BJP in the elections, has to make (such) an appeal,’’ party spokesman Anand Sharma said. On whether Jethmalani withdrew under ‘‘pressure’’, Sharma said: ‘‘We accept his word… If there is any other reason, we are not privy to it.’’ — (PTI)