Congress chief Kharge compares Modi with Raavan, BJP hits back
What's the story
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading every election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kharge compared PM Modi to 'Raavan' having many heads during a rally in poll-bound Gujarat. Soon after his comments, BJP reacted sharply saying the words are insulting to Gujarat and its son.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The BJP and the Congress are preparing to square off in the Gujarat elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on December 1 and December 5. Gujarat may witness a triangular contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP, and Congress. While Congress is working hard to gain in the elections, the AAP has been actively banking on the anti-incumbency factor.
Speech
What exactly did Kharge say?
"We see your (Modi's) face in corporation elections, MLA elections or MP elections, everywhere...Do you have 100 heads like Raavan?," Kharge questioned. "I've been seeing that votes are sought in the name of Modiji, be it municipality elections, corporation elections (or Assembly elections)," Kharge said. "Is Modi going to come and work at the municipality?" he asked.
Twitter Post
Watch: Congress chief's speech on PM Modi
Mallikarjun Kharge ji got no chill…
— Chikku (@imChikku_) November 29, 2022
Listen to his speech on Modiji…pic.twitter.com/oQ7OucJkTc
Reaction
BJP spokesperson hits back
The Congress party, according to BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya, disrespected the prime minister. "Unable to take the heat of Gujarat election, pushed to the fringe, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge loses control over his words, calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Ravan"," he tweeted. "From 'Maut ka Saudagar' to 'Ravan', Congress continues to insult Gujarat and its son," Malviya added.
Twitter Post
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant too reacted
Kharge is non-Gandhi-Nehru-family chief of Congress so making such remarks (Modi 100-head Ravan) for limelight. While Rahul Gandhi is on Bharat Jodo yatra, from Goa we saw start of Congress Chhodo yatra. Ex CM, leader of opposition, MLAs joined BJP : Goa CM in Gujarat today pic.twitter.com/8P90zhC4i9
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) November 29, 2022
Information
'Carpet bombing' campaigning by BJP
BJP conducted a marathon poll campaign dubbed as 'carpet bombing' involving top leaders, union ministers, and PM Modi. The ruling party conducted rallies and public meetings addressed by national-level leaders in 82 of the 89 constituencies going to polls in the first phase on December 1.