The BJP on Saturday hit out at Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for comparing the National People’s Party, the local party in Meghalaya, which is allying with the BJP during the upcoming assembly elections, to dogs.

During a press conference, Tharoor had said that the NPP claims to be independent, but in Meghalaya they are allied to the BJP and have attached themselves as the tail that is wagging along whenever the dog barks.

Taking umbrage to the statement, BJP leader Nalin Kohli expressed ‘shock’ at Tharoor’s remark. “We demand an apology from Tharoor and the Congress. His political master (Congress President Rahul Gandhi) may have special affinity for a certain pet dog (Pidi) and may also prefer spending time feeding Pidi than attending to senior political functionaries. It doesn't mean you'll reduce political parties to be referred to as dog & insult voters,” Kohli said.

Earlier in the day, the Congress released its poll manifesto, promising to enhance the Rs 5 lakh health insurance cover announced by the Centre, if re-elected to power in the state.

The 20-page manifesto was released a day before the campaign ends. Polls for the state's 60-member Assembly will be held on February 27 and votes will be counted on March 3.

Asked why the party was so late in releasing the manifesto, a leader who did not wish to be named said this is the most opportune time to release it.

"We are committed to enhancing the sum of the insurance cover for the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme over and above the insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family announced by the Central Government," said the manifesto released by Congress general secretary C P Joshi.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who holds an MBBS degree and his party has been under attack from the BJP, its ally the NPP and others for the poor indices in health sector.

The manifesto emphasised on the youth and employment promising to create 3 lakh jobs, without providing any timeframe.