New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) The BJP on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of using “uncultured and indecent” language and lowering the dignity of the office of the leader of the opposition.
The ruling party’s attack came after Gandhi, while addressing the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention here, referred to the BJP-RSS as a “bunch of jokers” who have no understanding of India and scoffed at Modi’s handling of foreign policy, which he claimed is all about hugging leaders.
Gandhi also claimed that the RSS as an original force is dead and has now become an “instrument of large capital — Mr Adani and Mr Ambani”.
Hitting back, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi asked Gandhi to grow up and accused him of insulting the people of India by attacking the prime minister.
“Rahul Gandhi, when will you grow up? Running India requires mature leadership, not amateur dramatics. Calling a democratically elected government ‘jokers and clowns’ proves you are out of your depth,” Joshi said in a post on X.
He said that by insulting the prime minister, Gandhi has insulted the people of India.
“By insulting the Prime Minister, you mock millions of voters who chose Modi ji for three historic terms. You are attacking the electorate’s intelligence simply because they rejected your dynastic politics,” Joshi said.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Gandhi’s language is contrary to the dignity expected of the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.
“The kind of uncultured, obscene, and indecent language used today by Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is completely contrary to the dignity of a constitutional position like that of the Leader of the Opposition,” she said in a post on X.
Swaraj said the country needs a leader of the opposition who plays the role of a “constructive opposition”, rather than one who engages in “cheap rhetoric for social media memes and reels”.
“Even at the age of 56, Rahul Gandhi’s childish and low-level conduct is regrettable,” she said, adding that Modi’s diplomacy and economic leadership has strengthened India’s economic ties with 38 countries through nine free trade agreements.
“On one side is Modi ji’s global leadership, economic acumen, and vision for a developed India; on the other side is Rahul Gandhi’s memes, mimicry, and indecent rhetoric,” she said.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar called Gandhi’s remarks a new low in public discourse.
“Vulgar jokes targeting PM Narendra Modi ji and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, with Congress leaders laughing along, are deeply disgraceful. This is a new low in public discourse. Strongly condemn it,” he said in a post on X.
BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan said criticism is the right of every political party but “insulting women and reducing public life to vulgar jokes is not”.
“Mocking PM Narendra Modi ji and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, while Congress leaders laugh along, reflects a serious lack of political maturity. Debate policies. Challenge decisions. But respect people. This is a new low for public discourse and deserves strong condemnation,” she said.
Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that a “filthy, vulgar and disgusting remark” was made against Meloni and Modi at an event in Gandhi’s presence.
“Targeting Prime Ministers with such cheap language isn’t politics. It is gutter-level behaviour that brings shame to Indian political discourse. Strongly condemn this disgraceful act,” he said.
BJP leader Radha Mohan Singh said political differences are fair but “vulgar jokes” targeting Modi and Meloni are not.
“Congress leaders laughing along only makes it worse. Women deserve respect, not objectification disguised as humour. This is a shameful low in public discourse,” he said.
Talking about the media allegedly toeing the government’s line, Gandhi said he understands their limitations but asserted that national spirit is about not allowing a “bunch of clowns to create an order over us”. PTI ADI KVK KVK
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