BJP today defended Amit Shah's controversial "revenge" remarks in Uttar Pradesh, saying he has captured the "mood of the nation" and was asking the people to vote for party and Narendra Modi.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman used the opportunity to drag Congress president Sonia Gandhi into the controversy over her appeal to Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, contending that the attempt to polarise the elections had been initiated by the "so-called secular" party. "There has been lot of discussion on what Amit Shah has said in a public meeting in Muzaffarnagar. He actually captured the mood of nation," said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.

Shah has reportedly said in a recent election meeting that "This election is about voting out the government that protects and gives compensation to those who killed Jats. It is about badla (revenge) and protecting izzat (honour)." Sitharaman said "he suggested the people to vote for BJP and Modi. When you support BJP and Modi government will be formed in Delhi and the SP government will fall on its own."

Seeing nothing wrong in Shah's remarks, BJP vice president and muslim face Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "UP government has insulted the people there. It is not a question of Hindus and Muslims. Those who went there for secular tourism, they have insulted the people. Instead of putting balm on the wounds of the victims, they sprinkled salt. Revenge should be taken for this insult."

Seeking to drag the Congress president, Sitharaman said, "Sonia Gandhi also seeking vote on religious grounds. The attempt of polarizing the vote was initiated by the so-called secular parties. We see nothing wrong in Amit Shah's statement."

She said even UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been heard seeking votes on caste base. "He has admitted in Assembly that more than 250 communal violence has been occurred in UP under his regime," she added.