War of words over Rahul Gandhi's 'dalali' remarks: Who said what

"You [Modi] are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in J&K and those who carried out surgical strikes for India," Gandhi said

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi addressing people during his kisan yatra.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders were up in arms against Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi over his 'dalali' remarks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

 

Rahul hit out at Modi saying, "Jo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, Jammu and Kashmir mein khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strikes kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. Yeh bilkul galat hai. (You [Modi] are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices, which is very wrong)."

 

As an exception, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal backed Modi and criticised Gandhi for his remarks.

 

Here is who said what:

 

Rajnath Singh, Home Minister: People, working in any field, must show restraint at the time of escalated tensions.

 

Amit Shah, BJP Chief: There should be no politics on the action of our security forces. Rahul Gandhi has crossed all limits by his 'khoon ki dalali' remarks. His words insult the bravery of army.

 

Shrikant Sharma, BJP National Secretary: It is most shameful. Such remarks reflect his mental bankruptcy. The army and the Prime Minister are getting praise from everywhere for the surgical strikes. Modi is being praised for his decision and he is unable to digest it. Rahul Gandhi is in frustration.

Sidharth Nath Singh: BJP National Secretary: His statement is a new low in Indian politics. It is not only condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from the Vice President of Congress party which fought for independence. Surgical strikes happened across the LoC but Rahul Gandhi has done surgical strike on his party.

Subramanian Swamy, BJP: I think Rahul Gandhi needs education or he should have a mental check-up because anybody with slight education will not use such words, that too against the Prime Minister of India.

 

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister: Our soldiers valiantly carried out surgical strikes and demolished terror addresses. I have previously done so and want to congratulate the army once again for this. I strongly criticise Rahul Gandhi's remarks wherein he said army's sacrifices and bravery was 'khoon ki dalali'.

 

I condemn the use of such words. I have told in the House as well as in a video message that right now there is tension at the border. The entire country should stand behind the army keeping aside political differences and support the Prime Minister's steps pertaining to security. There should not be any politics over this issue.

 

Kapil Sibal, Congress leader: Those who have murder allegations against them, who've been to jail, are questioning Rahul Gandhi's lineage.

Congress: Rahul Gandhi knew what he said, should understand the sentiment behind it.

 

Lalu Prasad, RJD Chief: Army par koi shaq na kare, Rahul ji apni baat theek se nahi rakh paaye (No one is doubting Army. Rahul Gandhi was unable to put forth his views.)

Manish Kayande, Shiv Sena leader: I think this is a very 'obnoxious' statement. But what can you expect from Rahul Gandhi? The person, who is so immature and whatever is happening in the country hardly matters to him. What else can you expect? But I think such sort of statements, sometimes Sonia Gandhi saying Maut ka saudaagar and this khoon ki holi. What image of the country you create in front of the world?

MG Vaidya, RSS ideologue: I don't like about commenting on such stupid statements. Rahul Gandhi is a Vice-President of the grand old party. I condemn the statement made by Rahul Gandhi. He should have thought for a while before making such statements.