After getting a clean chit from the Election Commission on his 'Bhrashtachari Number 1' remark against late PM Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, 7 May, said it was justified because he was merely “stating a fact”.
In an interview to Navbharat Times, PM Modi said, “I don't understand why Congress is so agitated over the remark. When the Congress president abuses the sitting PM or makes fun of the poverty of the PM's family, this very 'ecosystem' of Congress applauds the remark. But if I say something about his (Rahul's) father which is a stated fact, Congress leaders lose their cool."
Modi further claimed that no one from the “Congress ecosystem” had either denied that Rajiv Gandhi was corrupt or said that his remark was factually incorrect.
Justifying his elections speeches referring to Pakistan and terrorism, Modi said, “This is not a municipal election. This is a national election and terrorism is an issue in the country…If Pakistan exports terrorism, it will obviously find a mention.”
Modi Dares Congress to Contest Remaining Phases in the Name of Rajiv Gandhi
PM Narendra Modi had on Monday, 6 May, threw a challenge at the Congress, asking the party to contest the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha elections in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, who he recently dubbed as "bhrashtachari no 1".
He also dared the Congress to a debate on the Bofors scandal and other issues ahead of the last two phases of the polling.
"A few days ago I had called a member of the naamdar parivar (dynasty) as 'bhrashtachari (corrupt) no. 1' and some people got such a severe stomach ache that they started crying aloud. The more they cry, the more will today's generation come to know of the old truths.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly daring Modi to debate on issues of national security, especially the Rafale fighter jet deal, asserting that when the matter is discussed, the truth will be out in the open.
Responding to Modi's comments that his father Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "Bhrashtachari No 1," Rahul Gandhi had on Sunday tweeted "Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won't protect you. All my love and a huge hug."
Prime Minister Modi, without naming anyone, said, "A member of the 'naamdar parivar' is abusing the prime minister for the last one year, without caring for the dignity (of the chair)... You do not have respect for the PM's post."
(With inputs from Navbharat Times)
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