I expect more responsible statement from senior leader like A B Bardhan, whom I respect ... It is an insult to MPs," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told media-persons when asked to comment on the Communist Party of India's leader's allegation that the going rate of an MP was "Rs 25 crore".

At the All India Congress Committee briefing, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi spoke in similar vein. Singhvi said that the Communist leader has not given any concrete proof or evidence.

Singhvi said these outpouring are coming from those who have become "frustrated" by the turn of events and have been "marginalised and sidelined" in national politics.

Besides, Singhvi used the opportunity to impress upon the Left that they needed to do serious introspection. Noting that the Left's original premise and promise was to keep communal forces at bay, he wondered whether it would advance by reaching out to those forces which are trying to align with the BJP.

The statement was an obvious reference to CPM leader Prakash Karat reaching out to Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati in a realignment of political forces ahead of the trust vote.