New Delhi: The Congress today took serious exception to statements made by Union Minister Gen V K Singh and senior Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan over issue of returning of awards by intellectuals and for unduly justifying terrorists attack in Paris respectively and demanded their removal from the Ministerial posts.

Addressing a press conference this afternoon, AICC Spokesman and Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken said "Today, Gen Singh said those protesting the atmosphere of intolerance in the country by returning their literary awards are all ‘paid individuals’.

"We want to ask Gen Singh, does he consider President Pranab Mukherjee as 'paid', too .