Kotler Award for PM Modi kicks off row

A controversy erupted over the Philip Kotler Presidential Award conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Congress President Rahul Gandhi taking a jibe at him questioning the credibility of the honour.

"I want to congratulate our PM on winning the world famous 'Kotler Presidential Award'! In fact it's so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before & is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company. Event Partners: Patanjali & Republic TV," Rahul said on Twitter.

Rahul's comments evoked a sharp response from Union Minister Smriti Irani who said that the Congress President came from a family that conferred 'Bharat Ratna' on themselves.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the award focuses on the triple bottom-line of 'people, profit and planet' and will be offered annually to the leader of a nation.

As a controversy raged over the award, Philip Kotler, considered as the father of modern marketing, came out with a congratulatory message for Modi.

"He has been selected for his outstanding leadership & selfless service towards India, combined with his tireless energy Narendra Modi's efforts have resulted in extraordinary economic, social and technological advances in India. His winning the first award raises the bar for future recipients,” Kotler said.