Narendra Modi is 'Bhasmasur', has consumed his mentor LK Advani: Jairam Ramesh

NEW DELHI: Taking a dig at developments in BJP, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh today described Narendra Modi as 'Bhasmasur', a mythological character known for trying to destroy his creator, and said the Gujarat Chief Minister has "consumed" his mentor L K Advani.

Ramesh, a Congress strategist, also compared his party leader Rahul Gandhi and Modi--the two possible Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections, saying while Gandhi was trying to create a structure and a system in the country, Modi "is saying he is the system and the structure".

"Modi is Bhasmasur. He will consume the people who have created him. He has consumed his mentor, Mr Advani. He has consumed Togadia, one of his co-conspirator in 2002 and he is nothing but a Bhasmasur," the Minister told PTI.

Bhasmasur was a demon who was granted the power by Lord Shiva to destroy anyone whose head he touched with his hand. When Shiva granted him the power, Bhasmasur attempted to touch the head of the Lord with his hand because he saw his wife Parvati and wanted to possess her.

Ramesh was reacting to a volley of questions about the developments in the BJP after Advani's resignation from all party posts following the elevation of Modi as the party's chief campaigner for the next Lok Sabha polls.

"The fundamental difference between Rahul Gandhi and Naredra Modi. Gandhi is trying to create a structure and a system which are not dependent on individuals. Modi is saying I don't care about the system, I am the structure. I am the system. Nothing exists other than me. Gandhi has never said that," he said when asked about the difference between the two leaders.

The Minister, however, refused to say that the 2014 elections will be Rahul Gandhi Vs Narendra Modi contest but said it will be the fight between Congress and RSS.

Launching a scathing attack on RSS and its chief Mohan Bhagawat, Ramesh said the Sangh should now register itself a political party.

"It must give up this pretence of being socio-cultural organisation. The manner in which it has manoeuvred Modi in and Advani out and the manner in which Mohan Bhagawat is travelling all over the country, trying to lobby with various people, it is no longer a socio-cultural organisation," he said.