The BJP has criticised Congress President Sonia Gandhi for meeting Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari. Addressing a meet-the-press programme in Kochi today, the BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said a deliberate attempt is being made by Sonia Gandhi to communalise the Lok Sabha polls.

The Imam had later appealed to Muslims to support the Congress.

On BJP's delay in releasing its manifesto, Mr. Prasad said BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has been speaking about his vision of India.

Asked about the delay in the release of the manifesto, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman had said in Delhi yesterday that it was purely due to the lack of availability of various leaders, as the party wanted the top leadership to be present during the manifesto release.

Asked about Modi contesting from two seats, including Varanasi, Prasad said Modi can contest from any seat and win hands down.Varanasi was chosen as part of the party's strategy. That will energise the cadre in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, he said.