insult to GujSurat, Dec 7 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi todaylambasted Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for using theword "neech aadmi" (vile man) for him, claiming he wastargeted over his caste.
Modi, who was addressing an election rally here, saidAiyar's comments were an "insult" to Gujarat.
"Shriman (Mr) Mani Shankar Aiyar today said that Modiis of 'neech' (lower) caste and is 'neech' (vile). Is this notan insult to Gujarat?"This is a Mughal mentality where if such a person (whocomes from a humble background) wears good clothes in avillage, they have a problem," Modi said.
Aiyar today kicked up a row when he called Modi a"neech" (vile man) after the prime minister, whileinaugurating the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi,hit out at the Congress, saying parties seeking votes inAmbedkar's name tried to erase his contribution to nationbuilding.
"He (Modi) is 'neech kism ka aadmi' (a vile man) who hasno 'sabhyata' (civility)," he said, attacking Modi after thelatter accused the Congress of seeking votes in Ambedkar'sname but trying to erase his contribution to building India.
The prime minister also accused the Congress leadershipof having a "Mughal" mindset.
Congress leaders have a problem if someone like him(Modi) wears good clothes, the prime minister said, in anapparent reference to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's"suit-boot ki sarkar" jibe in the past.
"You have seen me as chief minister for 14 years andthen as prime minister. Have I done any work which has madeyou look down (in shame)? Have I done any 'neech' work?" Modiasked the gathering.
The prime minister also requested BJP workers andsupporters not to respond to Aiyar's remark. "Please do notrespond to the remark even on Twitter," he said. PTI PD KRK SKSK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.