Narendra Modi insulted OBCs by "neech jati" remark: Congress

NEW DELHI: Amid the row over Narendra Modi's caste, Congress today attacked the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate over his "neech jati" (low caste) remark, accusing him of insulting the OBCs and demanded that he must apologise to people.

"It is unfortunate that Modi used such words and made a reference to certain community as 'neechi jati'. Congress condemns it," Union Minister Vayalar Ravi said. "Calling a community 'neech' (low) contradicts the Constituion, soverign and fundamental values of equality and equal dignity to the people. It is an insult to the dignity and self respect of communities referred to by Modi...He owes an apology to the people of India. He must apologise," Ravi said.

Party General Secretary Ajay Maken and Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Arun Yadav and AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala were also present at the briefing at which Modi came under attack. Speaking in similar vein, Maken and Yadav said that Modi has given a deliberate spin while responding to certain remarks of Priyanka Gandhi.

Modi had claimed himself as a 'neech jati' (low caste) man aspiring to become the prime minister after Cognress leader Priyanka Gandhi charged him with indulging in "neechi rajyaneeti (low-level politics)