Arguing that saffron is a source of inspiration and not one of terror, BJP today said home minister P Chidambaram's statement on saffron terror was an outcome of the ongoing game of oneupmanship between senior Congress leaders.

"We urge the Congress that because of inner conflict and gross oneupmanship they must not shame the saffron which represents the civilisational and cultural heritage of India, the spirit of valour and finest values of our freedom struggle," BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

He maintained that Chidambaram should understand that it is the people of India who have "since ages had the patent on saffron".

"Swami Vivekanand exalted the world in Chicago about India wearing saffron. Adi Sankaracharya unified India wearing saffron. Today all saints wear saffron. Saffron only inspires and never terrorises," Prasad said.

"We condemn this oneupmanship in which saffron heritage is becoming a casualty," he added.