BJP President J P Nadda
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: In a scathing attack on the Congress leadership attacking the government over Manmohan Singh's cremation, BJP president J P Nadda accused the Opposition party of indulging in "cheap politics" while claiming that the grand old party has not given "real respect" to the former Prime Minister.
In a video message after top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of "insulting" Singh's legacy, Nadda said the Congress disrespected the post of PM by nominating a “super PM” Sonia Gandhi as NAC chairman.
“Rahul Gandhi who showed scant respect to PM Manmohan Singh by tearing the ordinance, is now doing politics in former PM’s name,” he said.
He said it was "very unfortunate" Rahul and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are "not refraining" from playing politics "even over the former prime minister's sad demise".
"No amount of condemnation is enough for such cheap thinking of the Congress. The Congress, which never gave real respect to Manmohan Singh when he was alive, is now playing politics in the name of his respect," he said.
Nadda said Modi government has already allocated land for the memorial of Singh and duly informed his family. Despite this, Congress continues to spread false narratives, he said adding, the country will neither forget nor forgive the historical misdeeds of a Congress devoid of principles.
Soon after, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal hit back at Nadda saying the BJP president and the party have "crossed all boundaries of decency", compelling them to point out the "rank hypocrisy and cheap political tricks" played by them in the last two days.
"The attempts to cut corners were for all to see, and there were many instances where the family was insulted and the overall dignity and protocol befitting Dr Singh’s stature was completely lacking. This monumental insult to Dr Manmohan Singh is unacceptable and India will never forgive the PM and his Government for playing politics over the last rites of Dr Singh," he said.