The Congress on Tuesday condemned party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the media, but also accused Mr. Modi of lowering the political discourse by regularly resorting to “abusive language” against political rivals.
Mr. Aiyar’s article in the online publication The Print created a fresh controversy as he not only described Mr. Modi as the most “foul-mouthed” Prime Minister but also justified his 2017 comment terming him [Mr. Modi] neech (a lowly creature).
“We completely reject and condemn the remarks of the likes of Mani Shankar Aiyar and every other person who is violating the time-tested principle of self-discipline in political discourse, of mutual respect and adherence to ideas and ideology, and not to verbally abuse while fighting an election,” Congress’ communication head Randeep Surjewala told presspersons.
The BJP reacted strongly to Mr. Aiyar’s article with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh saying it demonstrated that no Indian Prime Minister had been as “abused” as Mr. Modi. Mr. Singh added that the Congress “which had previously suspended Mr. Aiyar” should respond to his comments, clarifying whether it stood by them.”
BJP charge
BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, in a series of tweets, said: “‘Abuser-in-chief’ Aiyar” had returned “to justify his 2017 Neech jibe. Aiyyar apologised and hid behind poor Hindi excuse. Now he says he was prophetic. Congress revoked his suspension last year for filthy outburst. Double speak & arrogance of Congress on display again!”
Responding to the war of words, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted to urge restraint in political language. “I’m pushing for a new language in politics. Let’s fight each other brutally on issues. Let’s fight hard on ideology. But ... Let’s not use hatred and violence against each other. It’s bad for [India],” tweeted Mr, Gandhi with the national flag
‘Dignity lowered’
Mr. Surjewala also accused Mr. Modi of lowering the prestige of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) with “his choice of words, anger, uncontrollable rage against every Opposition leader, particularly Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his family.” “We have seen how in the past five years, including in the current election, rage and revenge has blinded Narendra Modi in using completely unacceptable, downright insulting, abusive language for his political opponents,” he said.
“When the Prime Minister uses insulting remarks like Congress’ vidhwa (widow) for Sonia Gandhi in election rallies, I want to know Modi ji , did you ever bother about the country’s decorum or said sorry for using such language,” Mr. Surjewala asked.
“When someone addresses Congress president as Genghis Khan’s descendent and the person is made a Rajya Sabha member, can we assume that the BJP rewards the person who can abuse rivals more,” he asked.
Published - May 14, 2019 10:52 pm IST
