'Modi like Duryodhan, his ego will defeat him': Priyanka slams PM over remarks on Rajiv Gandhi

AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ), saying that he was like ‘Duryodhan’ and will be defeated in the Lok Sabha elections because of his ego.

“The BJP leaders never in their poll campaign say whether they fulfilled their promise or not. They seek vote in the name of martyrs or the martyr (Rajiv Gandhi) of my family. Duryodhan had also lots of ego and his ego was the reason of his defeat,” said Priyanka while addressing a rally in Haryana’s Ambala.

Without naming PM Modi, she also accused the BJP of seeking votes in the name of “martyrs” (apparently referring to BSF jawans killed in Pulwama terror attack) and Rajiv Gandhi.

“The talk about the martyr (Rajiv Gandhi) of my family. This election is not about one family. This election is about BJP’s failure. Prime Minister has no time to listen to the farmers but has time to ask for votes by taking the name of martyr of my family,” she said.

PM Modi’s remarks drew widespread condemnation from Congress and other opposition leaders who felt the prime minister lowered the dignity of his office by making such comments about a former PM, who is no longer alive.

The BJP, however, said every word Modi had said about Rajiv Gandhi was true and that the Congress chief was rattled due to his party's imminent defeat in Lok Sabha polls.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi replied to him with "love and a huge hug" and said he should wait for his 'karma' to catch up.

"Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won't protect you. All my love and a huge hug. Rahul," the Congress president tweeted.

Priyanka Vadra, the Congress general secretary, attacked Modi, saying he had insulted Rajiv Gandhi.

"The PM, who seeks votes in the name of martyrs, due to his unbridled obsession has disrespected the supreme sacrifice of a good and noble human being. The people of Amethi, for whom Rajiv Gandhi gave their life, will give a reply. But yes, Modiji, this country never forgives those who deceive," she said in a tweet in Hindi.