Congress has mindset of Mughals: Narendra Modi's response to Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'neech' comments

SURAT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit back at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, saying that Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy.

Addressing an election rally in Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) star campaigner slammed Aiyar, saying Congress leaders have the mindset similar to that of the Mughals.

"Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, he said Modi is 'neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a mindset that of the Mughals," PM Modi said.

Modi's rhetoric comes after Aiyar on Thursday used derogatory language against the PM.

"Mujhko lagta hai ki ye aadmi bahut neech kisam ka aadmi hai, isme koi sabhyata nahi hai, or aise mauke par is kisam ki gandi rajniti karne ki kya avashyakta hai?" Mani Shankar Aiyar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Coming down hard at the Congress, the Prime Minister further said, "This Mughalai mindset sees everyone as 'neech.' What all have they called us..donkeys, 'neech', 'gandi naali ke keede'

He expressed confidence in the Gujarat electorate of not accepting deplorable language of the Congress leaders and vote for the BJP.

The crowd replied with a huge uproar saying 'NO', when Modi asked them, "You all have seen me, I have been CM and PM. Has anyone had to hold his or her head in shame due to me? Have I done any shameful thing? Them why are they calling me 'Neech'?"

Recalling Sonia Gandhi's 'maut ka saudagar' comments, PM Modi said the leaders of the opposition party have a history of insulting him

"I beg to the people of India, please let them be. Let them keep calling me 'neech' we will not respond. In our hearts we do not have this mindset and want to congratulate them for theirs," the PM said.

Mani Shankar's controversial remarks came after the Prime Minister earlier in the day said parties seeking votes in BR Ambedkar's name tried to erase his contribution in nation building and did little to build the Ambedkar International Centre conceived 23 years ago.

Modi, who inaugurated the centre in the heart of the national capital in Janpath, also took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi's comment on being a Shiva devotee and said some parties talked more of Baba Bhole (Lord Shiva) than Babasaheb.

While appealing to the people to vote for BJP, the PM said, "Nothing can stop me from giving back to the poor what belongs to them."