BJP to stage countrywide stir seeking Rahul's apology

A day after the Supreme Court snubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for attributing 'chowkidaar chor hai' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi to it over the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP on Friday ratcheted up the row.

The saffron party is planning a nationwide agitation against the former Congress president seeking the latter's apology.

While BJP workers on Friday held a massive protest near the Congress headquarters here at 24 Akbar Road, shouting slogans against Rahul, the saffron party gave a call to its workers to stage protest in every district, demanding an apology from Rahul for “his lies” about the Rafale jet deal.

“Lies of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have been exposed with the Supreme Court's decision. He (Rahul) should now apologise to the nation. BJP workers will hold protest and agitations in every district tomorrow (Saturday), demanding his apology for his lies and undignified statements. The party has given a call,” BJP national general secretary Bhupender Yadav told reporters.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters, the BJP leader said that the apex court's decision on the Rafale jet deal has further raised "the credibility of the corruption-free and transparent” Modi government.

“It is unfortunate that Rahul kept on telling lies in public life. It is also for the first time that leader of a national party had to submit an apology before the Supreme Court. He (Rahul) should now maintain public decorum,” he added.

Meanwhile, Delhi unit of the BJP held a protest near the Congress headquarters on the issue.

“The Congress and its leaders levelled baseless allegations in connection with the Rafale deal to malign the image of the prime minister. But their lies have been exposed," Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who led the protest, said.