Congress joins BJD in criticizing PM Narendra Modi's style of functioning

BHUBANESWAR: In a rare occurrence in Odisha politics, the opposition Congress today joined the BJD in criticizing the Prime Minister's style of functioning and his alleged "suit boot ki sarkar".

The issue figured in the state Assembly after BJP member Rabi Narayan Naik during the zero hour demanded an apology from food supplies and consumer welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma accusing him of having made certain "objectionable" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Naik referred to Dasburma's remarks during a debate on alleged central negligence towards Odisha on December 3 when he had criticised the Prime Minister and accused him of running a "suit boot ki sarkar."

Though the BJP members staged a sit-in dharna in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in the assembly premises on Saturday, today they requested the Speaker to expunge statements made against Modi. The saffron law-makers justified their demand to expunge Dasburma's remark saying no objectionable remarks should be made against a person not present in the House.

Dasburma while targeting the NDA government had alleged that Prime Minister Modi's suit was being stitched in London and later put on auction. Dasburma also mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi as the true representative of the poor people of India, used to wear 'dhoti' above his knee level. "On the contrary, Modi stitches his suit in London," Dasburma said.

The minister also held Modi responsible for the rise of intolerance in the country. "Award Wapsi is an instance of growing intolerance in the country," Dasburma said.

While BJP and BJD members were exchanging words against each other over the minister's statement, Leader of Opposition Naraingha Mishra of Congress intervened and openly supported the minister's statement against the Prime Minister.

"I do not think there is any objectionable remark against the Prime Minister which needs to be expunged from the record of the House," Mishra said.

Stating that this was the stand of Congress, Mishra said: "I fully support the minister who gave 'suit boot ki sarkar' remark on Prime Minister. His statements are based on facts. Congress supports it. How can the Prime Minister afford to stich his suit in London while 77 per cent of country's population survive by spending less than Rs 20 a day."

Criticizing the Prime Minister, the Congress leader asked how come Modi criticised opposition on foreign soil? "When we were taken on a foreign trip in 1977 led by foreign minister A B Vajpayee, we were then strictly told not to speak against government of India at any circumstances," Mishra said.

Accusing Modi of violating all political and diplomatic norms, Mishra said there was no point if the people of India elected you (BJP) with a huge mandate.

"You were given a heavy mandate by the people of Bihar in 2014 and the same people rejected you (Modi) in 2015. Similar is the BJP's situation in Gujarat Zilla Parishad polls," Mishra said adding there has been a fast change in the political climate of the country.

Coming down heavily on the BJP, Mishra said: "We are run by a government which is inspired by the ideology of Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation."

"While, they (BJP) claim to be respecting Mahatma Gandhi, at the same time they observe the birth anniversary of Nathuram Godse," Mishra said.

Though Congress and BJP members were surprised over Mishra's statement, angry BJP members walked out of the House in protest. The ruling BJD members welcomed Mishra's statement by thumping the desk.