How does Mamata know Modi's kurta size, asks Raj Babbar
On Saturday, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar made a condescending remark at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by asking how she knew the size of PM Modi's kurtas. Babbar made the comments during a press conference. Much to the dismay of Indian voters, PM Modi's kurtas became the topic for discussion after he said Mamata didi sends him 1-2 kurtas every year.
In 'apolitical' chat, Modi spoke about his bond with Mamata
In an "apolitical" interview which PM Modi gave to Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, he spoke about his friendship with Opposition leaders. PM Modi said his statement might backfire this election season, but the truth is Mamata personally selects at least 1-2 kurtas for him every year. He added that after she learned he likes Bengali sweets, the Trinamool Chief sends those to him too.
Babbar lamented that they never received any gifts
Basing his attacks on PM Modi's references, Babbar said Bengal is famous for sweets and kurtas. She never sent it to them, but gifted to only one person, he pointed out. "So you can understand that she knows the size of his kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," he said. Really, what?
When Babbar questioned Mamata's stand, Trinamool leader shot back
Babbar went on to question Mamata's anti-Modi stance and accused her of letting the saffron party rise in Bengal. "It is shameful that the party (Trinamool) doesn't have any respect for democratic norms," he added, talking about violence during polls. Obviously, Babbar's comments weren't well received by Trinamool. Partha Chatterjee of the party said Babbar doesn't know political courtesies since he is from cinema.
Notably, Sitaram Yechury also raised questions on the 'unlikely friendship'
The lesser-known bond which PM Modi and Mamata share put the latter on receiving end of questions. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said, "Why is it a secret that has to be told by PM Modi publicly now? Did you hear earlier ever about didi choosing kurtas for Modi?" He alleged both leaders worked together and this is a classic example of "kushti and dosti".
Separately, Mamata said she would send Modi 'rosogollas of mud'
Mamata's statements after PM Modi's big revelation hints she didn't like his words. During a rally in Asansol on Saturday, she said she would send him unusual rosogollas this time. "I will send him rosogollas made of mud with some stone chips thrown in -- like cashew nuts and raisins are used in laddu. One bite and it will break the teeth," she said.
Meanwhile, PM Modi said he doesn't hold any grudges
As his statements started a political row of sorts, PM Modi stuck to his words. He said BJP followed the words of its leader LK Advani, who said political adversaries shouldn't be seen as enemies. "We don't see anyone as enemies. When you are also on air, you lash out at BJP. But we don't hold any grudges for that," he told India Today.