JOIN USTaking a strong exception to Narendra Modi calling Rahul Gandhi “Shehzada”, the Congress on Saturday said its vice-president should be addressed in the same manner in which he addresses people, with respect.
“The way Rahul Gandhi is being addressed and criticised by the use of language – words like ‘Shehzada’ (Prince)– is not dignified in a democracy, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters here. “Congress workers are not reacting out of respect for the model code of conduct and laws of the country and are thus quiet. Otherwise, the use of such words can be stopped in two days. We don’t want such a situation to arrive,” he said without naming Modi.
Defending Rahul Gandhi’s recent election speeches where he had invoked Muzaffarnagar riots, he said the motive behind Gandhi’s remarks should be understood as he said communalism in any form should be opposed and condemned.
Narendra Modi on Friday attacked Gandhi for saying that Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence was in touch with Muslim youths displaced by the riots and dared him to reveal the identity of such persons or apologise publicly for levelling “serious allegations” and “defaming” the entire community. Modi has also been using the word, “Shehzada” (prince) to address Gandhi in recent days.
Dwivedi said fundamentalism of any form gives rise to communalism which is not good for the country and no one should rake up issues which disturb harmony.
“We have been seeing for a long time now that some people do politics even on very sensitive issues,” Dwivedi stressed, adding that Gandhi had said communalism in any form should be opposed.