The Congress today said its president Rahul Gandhi has not shown any disrespect towards JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hitting back, the party said it was Modi who 'disrespected' his two predecessors (Manmohan Singh and Gowda) and sought an apology from him for it.
""There is no disrespect expressed ever towards Deve"Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...it is not the Congress culture to" insult," deputy leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma told reporters here.
Accusing the prime minister of assaulting the dignity"of his office with his expressions and language, he said during campaign speeches he had"said things that were not true.
" "This government's very foundations are on"false promises, lies, deceit, propaganda and boastful claims," he alleged adding Modi and his government were in the "departure lounge".
He said Congress knew Gowda was a very senior and respected" leader.
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"When Deve Gowda ji was prime Minister his government"had the full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has" not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda," he said.
Sharma alleged there was an "opportunistic understanding and unholy nexus" with the JDS that the prime minister and BJP chief Amit Shah had sought and created. That was the reason a question had been asked and criticism levelled, he said.
" "In remarks that raised eyebrows in political circles," Modi, addressing an election rally yesterday, had lashed"out at Gandhi for 'insulting' Gowda,"saying it showed his 'arrogance'.
" Sharma insisted that"Modi apologise for repeatedly insulting former prime minister Manmohan Singh, whom he described as "one of the respected elders, leaders and statesmen.""