BJP president JP Nadda and other party functionaries on Tuesday asked the Congress leadership to explain their stand on remarks made by their Punjab leaders about Kashmir and Pakistan which, the party said, reflected the opposition outfit's divisive and 'anti-India' approach.

In a series of tweets, Nadda said silence on the matter will be seen as "implicit support" to such objectionable remarks. "Recent comments by Punjab Congress leaders, who enjoy the patronage of the topmost state leadership as well as the high command in Delhi, are reprehensible. They are repeatedly making irresponsible statements that have grave implications on national security," the BJP chief said.

Comments by two advisors of Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu have stoked a controversy. Malvinder Singh Mali had claimed that, "Kashmir is a country of Kashmiris" while another advisor, Pyare Lal Garg, had taken a swipe at Punjab CM Amarinder Singh for criticising Pakistan, alleging it is not in Punjab's interest.

Later, party spokesperson Sambit Patra said such remarks could not have been made by the Congress leaders without the approval of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

"The remarks made by advisors of the Punjab Congress chief clearly show that the party has a divisive and anti-India approach towards Kashmir," Patra said.

Taking on Congress over Garg's remark that Pakistan should not be criticised, Patra said that "these people earn their livelihood in India but sing Pakistan's tune".

Patra asked why Sidhu, who hugged the Pakistan Army Chief, had been made Congress' Punjab unit chief and "on whose behest". "Sidhu claims that he follows the directions of Rahul Gandhi. Now Rahul should explain whether he considers J&K as part of India," Patra said.

(With inputs from agencies)