Gorakhpur , Nov 5 : Minister of State for Kunwar Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh on Monday joined the Congress bandwagon in criticising BJP President over his statement that there was a similarity between the IQ levels of religious philosopher Swami Vivekananda and mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.

"His statement shows the level of his mentality, it is really sad that Swami Vivekananda and Dawood Ibrahim have been compared stating they had similar psychology. I am speechless. I don''t want to become a fool by commenting on his statement. I feel the public will answer the person making such remarks," said Singh.

Gadkari, who is already facing graft charges under the irrigation scam, was addressing a gathering in central India''s Bhopal city, where he said that the great Hindu reformer of the 19th century and spiritual leader Vivekananda had used his IQ for nation building, while the mafia don used it for pursuing crime.

Dawood Ibrahim, 52, India''s most wanted man for his part in the country''s most deadly bombings in Mumbai 1993, has eluded authorities for the past 15 years. He is believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

Later on Monday Gadkari clarified his stance.

In the meantime the junior minister also commented over India''s ties with neighbouring nation of Nepal.

He rubbished any report of tension or problems in border trade with the Himalayan country that shares its borders alongside the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

"We have an open border policy with Nepal and it would be maintained in the future. It is an international matter- though we have a company of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and we will consult them over any such problems. I don''t think there is the need to exaggerate the issue," said Singh.

India and Nepal enjoy a special and unique relationship rooted in shared heritage, civilization, culture and extensive people-to-people relations.

India attaches the highest priority to its relations with Nepal and is fully committed to further strengthen relationship. A peaceful, democratic, stable, strong and prosperous Nepal is not just in India''s interest but would also contribute to the prosperity of the region as a whole. (ANI)