The Congress has downplayed the comments of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Indira Gandhi, but has communicated the party's displeasure to its ruling Maharashtra alliance partner.

To the discomfort of the Congress, Raut on Wednesday claimed that Indira Gandhi had met underworld don of the sixties-eighties, Karim Lala. The Shiv Sena leader has now backtracked, saying his statement was twisted.

Congress state president Balasaheb Thorat said: "This time he (Raut) has withdrawn his statement, but it will not be tolerated the next time."

Congress leader Tariq Anwar said that "when he has taken back his statement and Raut has clarified that he was quoted out of context, then the issue should not be persisted with."

The Congress is in coalition government With Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

The BJP has seized the opportunity to attack the Congress with former CM and Maharashtra leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis demanding to know if the underworld mafia was financing the Congress, and sought a clarification.