Narendra Modi hits back at SP leader's 'tea-seller' comment, says it reflects mentality

NEW DELHI: Reacting to Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal's remark that a 'person who sold tea cannot have a national perspective', BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Thursday said, "A leader of a Congress ally said something, it does not reflect on Modi but their mentality."

Stating that he has never hidden his background, Modi said, "We never hid this. In childhood we used to sell tea in trains to fill stomachs. We never picked pockets, but you make fun of it."

Hitting out at SP, he said, "In a democracy even a person polishing shoes can be a Bhagya Vidhata." "Those born in rich homes, enjoying lives are mocking the poor of this country and that is why such language is used," he slammed.

In a dig at Modi, Agarwal had said, "Narendra Modi wants to become a PM. Someone rising from a tea shop can never have a national perspective. Like, if you make a 'sipahi' (constable) as 'kaptan' (Superintendent of Police) he can never have SP's approach but will have that of a constable," Agarwal said in comments that could stoke a controversy.

Agarwal had also said the prime minister of a country has to be an able person of national stature. "As far as crowd is concerned, a 'madari' (street performer) also gathers it," he said taking a swipe at BJP.

Modi also raged at Congress leaders for their statements against singer Lata Mangeshkar. "The nation is so proud of Lata Mangeshkar. Congress leaders said take her Bharat Ratna back," he said. "Snatch the ground from under their feet, this Congress party that wants to take away awards from renowned people," Modi said.

The head of the Congress party in Mumbai, Janardan Chandurkar, had demanded that artists who publicly back political leaders should be stripped of their Padma awards, a comment that appeared aimed at legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar for backing Narendra Modi, and, predictably, drew a sharp rebuke from the BJP.