Will PM Modi hang himself if Congress gets over 40 seats, asks Mallikarjun Kharge

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a controversy on Sunday, as voting took place in the sixth round of the national election, with his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge, who was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Kalburgi, said: "Wherever he (Modi) goes, he keeps saying that the Congress will not win 40 seats. Do you believe that? If the Congress gets more than 40 seats, will Modi hang himself at Vijay Chowk in Delhi," Kharge said.

Last month, Modi claimed the Congress will get fewer than 50 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. In the last General Elections, the Congress had been reduced to 44 seats, its lowest-ever figure.

Modi said every survey was talking about whether the Bharatiya Janata Party will remain on 282 seats or cross it, but on the Congress, they were discussing whether the party can reach the figure of 50 or get limited at 40.

Last week, slamming the prime minister for his "bhrashtachari no. 1" taunt at Rajiv Gandhi, Kharge said Modi did not get "sanskar" (cultural grooming) as he had escaped from home at a young age. Kharge said Modi's remark reflected his frustration.

At a rally in Uttar Pradesh Saturday, Modi attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers but his life ended as bhrashtachari no. 1" (Corrupt no. 1).

Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said Modi lacked political and practical knowledge.

"He did not get sanskar at home as he had fled home at a young age. Where will he get it? People should have control over their tongue when speaking," the Congress leader said.

Modi's comment on Rajiv Gandhi has drawn widespread criticism from various opposition parties, which said he lowered the dignity of the office of the prime minister.

(With PTI inputs)