Mani Shankar Aiyar ‘neech’ remark row Live: BJP says Congress leader’s statement has upset Gujarat.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has triggered a row after calling Narendra Modi a “neech aadmi”, prompting his party to suspend his primary membership and issue a show-cause notice.
In an apparent move to contain the possible damage barely two days ahead of the keenly contested assembly elections in the prime minister’s home state, Gujarat, the Congress announced disciplinary action against Aiyar, insisting it showed the party’s “Gandhian leadership”.
Here are live updates on the row:
10.41am: The BJP’s Shahnawaz Hussain says Aiyar’s remark has upset the people of Gujarat. “Sab kuch luta ke hosh main aae to kya hua? (So what if you came to senses even if you had to lose everything),” says Hussain.
10.40am: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath condemns Aiyar’s ‘neech’ remark. “Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark is shameful and unfortunate. We condemn it. Using such words for the Prime Minister is an insult of India and its people. Congress party must apologise or people of Gujarat will teach them a lesson in upcoming election.”
10.30am: There are many leaders in the country who have been victims of Mani Shankar Aiyar, says Amar Singh. “Iss desh ke anek neta Mani peedit hain, iss mein Uma Bharti ji, late Jayalalithaa ji aur tamaam bade bade naam hain. Mai swayam bhi Mani peedit hoon.”