New Delhi: Congress on February 8 sought to back government's decision to expel Pakistan's Charge d' Affaires Jalil Abbas Gilani and four other staff of the High Commission saying if the allegation was correct, India has every right to do so.

"If the allegation (that Gilani had paid money to arrested Hurriyat activists) is correct, then it is very serious. Such allegations are based on definite facts which lie with the government. And if the allegations are correct then there is no other option before the government but to expel the diplomat," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

However, he said that he expected that the government has taken such steps based on "exclusive facts and information" available to it.

To questions whether Pakistan High Commission should be closed, Singhvi said this was for the government to decide.

"We believe that all efforts should be made to keep open all channels of communication."

Asked about Pakistan's allegation that the government's decision was taken with an eye on Assembly election in four states, he expressed the hope that the decision was based on facts.

PTI