Letter-vs-letter: Nadda's Rahul 'failed product' barb in reply to Kharge
What's the story
Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda criticized Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday—after the latter's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his letter, Kharge had raised "concern and disappointment" regarding comments made against Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Responding via a counter letter, Nadda accused Kharge of attempting to "polish...failed product, which has been repeatedly rejected by the public, and bring(ing) it to the market due to political compulsion," purportedly referring to Gandhi.
Political slugfest
BJP chief lists attacks against Modi
The BJP chief also highlighted the derogatory terms used by Congress leaders against PM Modi in the past.
He questioned the Congress's respect for political decorum, citing an instance where Sonia Gandhi referred to PM Modi as "maut ka saudagar" (merchant of death).
The BJP chief listed derogatory terms used by Congress leaders against PM Modi, including "snake," "scorpion," "demon," "pickpocket," and "coward."
He added that even PM Modi's parents were not spared from such insults.
In US
Nadda accuses Gandhi of inciting people against each other
Nadda criticized Gandhi for allegedly inciting people against each other through politics of reservation and caste.
He referenced a statement made by Gandhi at a US university, where the latter suggested that Congress would consider scrapping reservations when "India is a fair place."
The BJP chief accused Congress of insulting Indian democracy by imposing Emergency, backing triple talaq, defaming Constitutional institutions and weakening them.
Accusations
Nadda accuses Kharge of ignoring Rahul's misdeeds
Nadda also accused Kharge of "ignoring" Gandhi's misdeeds.
"It seems that in the letter you have either forgotten the misdeeds of your leaders including Rahul Gandhi or have deliberately ignored them, so I felt that it is important to bring those things to your notice in detail," he said.
"It is sad that the oldest political party of the country has now become a 'copy & paste' party under the pressure of its famous prince," the BJP leader added.
Concerns raised
What Kharge's letter to PM Modi said
In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Kharge expressed concern over phrases like "number one terrorist," used by Union minister Ravneet Bittu.
He also mentioned a former BJP MLA's death threat against Gandhi, calling them "deeply disturbing."
Kharge added that these issues required serious discussion as they were crucial to Indian democracy and the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Allegations
Kharge accuses BJP and allies of issuing threats
Kharge also alleged that threats against Gandhi were orchestrated by the BJP and its allies, with many comments originating from sitting ministers in the central government.
"It is with great sadness that I must note that the violent language used by politicians in your alliance spells great danger for...future," Kharge said.
He appealed to the PM to take firm action against such remarks.
He said, "I hope that you will kindly inculcate discipline...boundaries within the politicians in your bloc,."
Controversial remarks
Controversial remarks against Gandhi
Kharge's letter was written in the wake of controversial comments made by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Gaikwad, who offered a reward of ₹11 lakh to anyone who could cut off Gandhi's tongue.
The BJP has since distanced itself from Gaikwad's remarks.
Earlier, Bittu had attacked Gandhi for his remarks in the US by saying, "If there should be an award to catch the number one terrorist and the biggest enemy of the country, it should be on Rahul Gandhi."