Delhi Congress president Sheila Dikshit condemned the "derogatory" language allegedly used by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election meeting against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and sought an unconditional apology from him, saying that the remark has “deeply” hurt the people of the country.
Dikshit said that Modi's objectionable language does not suit the image of a Prime Minister. She said that Modi's words against Rajiviji are not acceptable to a civilised society and he should take back his words and apologies.
"When the Prime Minister of the country makes such a statement that lowers the image of the post he holds, it hurts the people of the country," she said, adding that
Addressing media persons at party office, she said that the Congress leaders never use disparaging language against opposition leaders in their political discourse. Such statement clearly shows the sick mindset of the top BJP leadership.
Alleging the BJP to indulge in cheap politics, she said that the Rajiv Gandhi, who sacrificed his life for the country, insulted by Modi. "It was not just an insult on the Congress party but on the people of the country," she added. "Our culture and tradition encourage us to give respect and honour to our late leaders", she said.
Dikshit said that in the history of Indian politics, even the leader of a rival political party, without any proof, has never made baseless allegations against a highly respected and revered leader of any other political party as Modi has done."The people of India will give a befitting reply to Modi and the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.
The former Delhi Chief Minister wrote tweets in English and Hindi to express her sentiments over the issue that has kicked up a controversy.
"Deeply shocked & angry at the words used by PM Modi for Shri #RajivGandhi. In 4 decades of my active political life, I have not witnessed this kind of political discourse. If we do not repair our politics, future generations will not forgive us for where we will have pushed India," she tweeted.
At a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, Modi had targeted former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi while attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
"Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari no 1," Modi had said.
