Leaders of some of political parties have given a mixed response to the New York Times criticism of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJPs) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

In an editorial, the NYT said Modi cannot hope to lead India effectively if he inspires fear and antipathy among many of its people.

It further stated that Modis rise to power has troubled many Indians deeply, especially the country''s 138 million Muslims and its many other minorities, and added that they worry that if he becomes Indias next prime minister, he might exacerbate sectarian tensions that have subsided in the last decade.

Responding to the NYT article, senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar said he did not believe in the report, and described it as very misleading.

I dont believe in the report. I believe in Modi. He will become the prime minister of India. These things are being planned and spread. These will not help the world, said Katiyar.

Senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Rita Bahuguna  Joshi, seemed to agree with the gist of the article, saying: Modis international image is very bad and it (NYT editorial) is not wrong, as everyone knows what happened in the 2002 riots.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader  Tariq Anwar said: Whatever the New York Times have written is right. Everyone knows what the RSS (Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh) is upto.

Biju Janata Dal party leader and Member of Parliament Jay Panda said: I would like to say to the New York Times, that they should mind their own business. They have no right to say who will be the leader, it is the matter of India, and India will decide.

Read: The NYT on Narendra Modi