BJP flays Jairam Ramesh's "Bhasmasura" remarks against Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: BJP today criticized Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh for his "Bhasmasura" remarks against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and said Congress should first look at its own past when it gave a "fascist regime" to the country.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman countered Ramesh's remarks against Modi. The minister had also described Modi as the "first authentic fascist".

"The minister and Congress should first look at its own past before talking about fascism. As Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi had imposed the Emergency on the country and put all opposition leaders in jail," she said.

Congress has distanced itself from Ramesh's remarks about Modi being an ideological challenge to the party saying these are his personal views. The ruling party said it does not see Modi as an ideological challenge.