The BJP today accused the Congress of running out of arguments and resorting to "abuses" to remain alive in media, as the war of words between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi escalated.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar used 'ghotalebaaz' (scamsters) jibe for the opposition party and said that before raising any questions, Congress should first answer where they have hidden 16 lakh crore which they "looted from the people".
The minister also said that the Congress' non-cooperation on GST Bill in Parliament was not in the interest and welfare of people and was against democracy.
"They do not have any arguments which is why they have come down to abusing. They themselves are 'ghotalebaaaz' but they will call others 'hawabaaz'. Today the Prime Minister has replied to that in his own way.
"Congress which is immersed neck-deep in scams... Before they raise any questions, they should first tell... The 16 lakh crore of public money which they have looted in the last ten years, where have they hidden it.
"'Ghotalebaaz' Congress calling others 'hawabaaz', this is abusing and means that restrain has finished," Javadekar told reporters.
Hitting back at Sonia Gandhi over her barbs against him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today alleged that 'hawalabaaz' are unnerved" due to the tough stance of the government on black money and are putting "roadblocks" in the reforms agenda.
Javadekar alleged that the Congress has become "frustrated and disappointed" and they do not have any other programme which is why they are trying to stop the development of the country.
"During the Parliament session, even for GST Bill, which was introduced by them (Congress)... By not cooperating, Congress' role is against the interest and welfare of people. It is against democracy," Javadekar said.
He said that Congress has been finished in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan while in Assam their prominent leaders opted out of the party.
"Even in Bangalore Corporation election they were finished," Javadekar said.
