Lucknow, June 15 -- BJP MP Dinesh Sharma on Monday responded to Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's recent remarks, alleging that Congress had historically promoted casteism and communalism while defending politics rooted in religious values.

Referring to Congress, Sharma said that those who engage in "unrighteousness" cannot understand the essence of religion.

"These people who do unrighteousness, how can they know about the nectar of religion? They have always sown the poison of casteism and communalism," Sharma told ANI.

The BJP MP further argued that politics should be guided by moral and religious principles, saying religion-based politics promotes welfare and goodwill.

"If politics is not based on religion, ...