Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah on Friday launched a scathing attack on Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi over his "dalali" remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said with it he has crossed all limits and has insulted the Indian Army.
Gandhi on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of doing "dalali" (profiteering) over the blood that was shed by Indian soldiers.
Shah also asked Gandhi to focus on issues pertaining to "Alu ki factory" (potato factory) instead of making statement on such sensitive issues.
Shah demanded a clarification from Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Rahul Gandhi's "dalali" remark.
Shah lambasted political leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, for "playing politics" over the September 29 surgical strikes.
"We don't believe in dalali. We believe in 'Jai Jawan'. The word 'dalali' is synonymous with them (referring to Conress)."
Targeting Kejriwal, Shah said that the trend of doubting the "surgical strikes" was started by the Delhi Chief Minister.
"By saying 'dalali' over soldiers' blood, Rahul Gandhi has crossed all limits. The remark reflects the Congress' mentality," Shah told a press conference here.
"I strongly condemn his remarks. They are an insult not only to the brave armed forces and martyrs but the entire country," he said.
"I want to ask Gandhi: Does he perceive our soldiers' blood to be a thing to do 'dalali' (trade) with. His words are an insult to the armed forces and the country as a whole. I want to ask what dalali is he talking about?" asked Shah.
"From Bofors to Embraer, from coal to 2G spectrum, who indulged in dalali," asked Shah, referring to the allegations of various scams against the Congress and the UPA.
Targeting the Delhi Chief Minister, the BJP President said, "It was Kejriwal who started the trend of doubting the surgical strikes and casting aspersion on the bravery of our armed forces."
"His attempt to demand proof on the surgical strikes has led to the social media ridiculing him as a pro-Pakistani," Shah said.
"On behalf of the BJP, we strongly condemn these attempts and whoever are questioning the surgical strikes have insulted the army, insulted the martyrs," he added.
Shah asserted that the "surgical strikes" are the achievement of the army and the "political will" behind it was that of Prime Minister Modi.
Asked if he would make it an election issue ahead of Uttar Pradesh polls, Shah said: "It should not be made an issue. But we'll take this issue to the public because it is the responsibility of every political party to boost the confidence of the armed forces. No political leader should claim credit for this."
He also slammed the Congress for questioning the "excitement" shown by a few BJP 'karyakartas' (activists) after the surgical strikes.
"None of our top leaders made any statement on this issue. Some karyakarta may have passed some remarks, but he must have said it out of excitement. The question is why Congress is not proud about the surgical strikes. Why don't they feel happy about it?"
"If Congress has an objection to BJP workers feeling proud of the surgical strikes, then I think there is problem in their mindset," said Shah.
"Congress party is expressing the disappointment of Pakistan in the surgical strike. This is unfortunate. They should have joined the people in celebrations and boosted the confidence of the armed forces," said Shah.
--IANS
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