Like a black teeka on child's forehead: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday struck a sarcastic note on Congress bringing a black paper on the performance of his 10 years in the high office, stating in the Rajya Sabha that this move is akin to elders putting a "black teeka" on the forehead of a kid who is looking good to prevent any evil eye on the child.

Speaking during the farewell of outgoing Rajya Sabha members, Modi said, "This House also witnessed fashion parades on some occasions when members would come dressed in black to protest on issues. Congress is now bringing a black paper on our government. The black dress is now reduced to a black paper.... When a child dresses up well and is looking good, the elders put a black teeka on him to prevent any evil eye. The country has achieved a lot in the last 10 years and this Black Paper is like the black teeka...."

Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that Congress is bringing the black paper to hide its own "black deeds" during UPA rule. "What can you expect from those who are defeated and depressed? Prime Minister has in his speeches in both Houses and President Droupadi Murmu in her presidential address have shared facts and figures on the achievements... If Congress has put a blindfold on itself, we cannot do anything."