Days after Mallikarjun Kharge stoked a massive row comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “poisonous snake”, the Congress president’s son Priyank on Monday outdid his father describing the PM as “nalayak beta” (useless son).
Priyank, addressing a poll gathering quoted from Modi’s speech and said: “When you (PM Modi) came to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) what did you tell the people of Banjara community? “Aap sab log dariye mat. Banjara ka ek beta Dilli mein Baitha hai (You do not be afraid. A son of Banjara is sitting in Delhi).”
“Aisa nalayak beta baitha to kaise hota bhai? Ghar kaise chalega?” (If an inept son is sitting in Delhi, how can you run the family?), he asked.
Priyank, seeking reelection from Chittapur in Kalaburagi district said Modi claiming to be a son of the Banjara community and promising to take care of them was “inept” because he and his party had created confusion about reservations for the SC community.
His remark comes days after Mallikarjun Kharge’s “venomous snake” barb aimed at PM Modi.
BJP president J.P. Nadda said opposition leaders have been using such language against the Prime Minister to “please” their masters, a reference to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said: “In a state of despair of losing the election, he (Priyank) has forgotten his limits. A few days ago, his father withdrew his words. Now, it’s his turn. People will teach them a lesson.”
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya took a swipe at Priyank Kharge, asking what would he be doing if he was not the son of Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president?
“It is anybody’s guess! It is quite rich for someone who is feeding off his father’s name, to call a democratically elected PM ‘nalayak’. It is fine to disagree with the PM, criticise him, but calling him names shows a depraved mind. Junior Kharge should focus on defending his seat and not punch above his weight,” he tweeted.
Mallikarjun Kharge stoutly defended his son and said he never made such comments. The Congress president said: “No. No. It is very wrong. He never said it. Don’t put these words into his mouth. He attacked the parliament member (not Modi) who abused him. So, don’t put these words into his mouth (saying it was meant) for Modi. I am sorry, everywhere this is going on (misquoting) purposely. Morning he (Priyank) condemned it but still you people are asking.”
