Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram saying he does not identify with gestures in Indian culture.
Reportedly, BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, during a television interview, had said that daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, was like his daughter.
Reacting on the same, Chidambaram doubted if Priyanka would be happy to consider Modi as a father figure.
"To call a girl who's of daughter's age, this expression she is like my daughter is used. It requires a good grounding and belief in Indian culture to say that and to also receive and appreciate it. Mr. Chidambaram belongs to Congress whose DNA does not probably allow this gesture of Indian culture which comes out in our speech and therefore a scornful comment comes from him. Thank you Mr. Chidambaram. But the psyche with which Narendra Modi has said it, comes out of a strong belief in Indian culture," said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, while addressing a news conference, Sitharaman also condemned statements of Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif.
"It is important that the Pakistan authorities remember that the peace in this region cannot be affected by their hawkish uncalled for statements. The BJP condemns the statement made by the Army chief of Pakistan," Sitharaman said.
Pakistani Army Chief Raheel Sharif after he termed Kashmir as 'jugular vein' of his country.
Reportedly, addressing a ceremony to mark Martyr's Day at Rawalpindi, Sharif called for resolution of Kashmir issue as per the wishes of people of Kashmir.
"This uncalled statement by the Army chief should be rejected comprehensively and BJP voice its concern that such statements do not help building good neighbourhood," Sitharaman added.
