New Delhi, Dec 7 (PTI) The BJP today refuted Mani ShankarAiyar's claim that he held no post in the Congress as itsleaders referred to his appointment in the "communicationstrategy group" by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Julythis year.
"All India Congress Committee Communication StrategistShri Mani Shankar Aiyar's comment reflects what @INCIndiathinks of Honourable Prime Minister. Shameful to say theleast," Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Iranitweeted.
She also posted a copy of the Congress press release,dated July 12, which named Aiyar as one of the leaders in thecommunication team. Its other members included senior partyleaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and PChidambaram.
"To humiliate the PM for his humble origins, to assertthat they are the only ones born to reign has been Congress'sNeeti - their belief and strategy. The people of Gujarat willrespond to this insult by supporting 'Vikaswad' not'Vanshwad'," Irani said.
BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said Aiyar wasappointed to avoid media slip-ups and that he was wrong insaying he had no formal responsibility in the Congress.
As a controversy erupted over Aiyar's 'neech' jibe atModi, he claimed that he was a freelance Congressman and heldno post.
The Congress tonight suspended Aiyar from the primarymembership of the party and issued him a show-cause notice,after he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "neech aadmi"(vile man). PTI KRSMN.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.