Even by mistake, Modi can't speak truth: Union minister Jairam Ramesh

Ramesh was countering statements made by Modi during his election rally in Chikmagalur in Tamil Nadu on Sunday

Jairam Ramesh
BS Reporter Ahmedabad
Last Updated : Apr 14 2014 | 9:33 PM IST
Acknowledging BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi ability of making ‘outrageous’ and ‘bizarre’ comments against him, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday stated that even by mistake, Modi cannot speak the truth.

Ramesh was countering statements made by Modi during his election rally in Chikmagalur in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

In a letter to Modi Ramesh wrote, “I know you make outrageous statements. However, even by your standards, your accusations against me are bizarre. I have never said what you attribute to me.”

Apparently Modi, during his public address in Chikmagalur had claimed that according to Ramesh India was the dirtiest and laziest country in the world. “What type of a son is he of Mother India. He goes to a foreign land, eats food in his aunty’s house and starts abusing his mother (India),” Modi had said about Ramesh during the rally.

Clarifying that he never made made the statement attributed to him by Modi, Ramesh said in the letter, “I have said that India deserves a Noble Prize for filth. I said this in New Delhi some four years ago and I continue to hold this view. I have also said that largest number (and proportion) of people practicing open deification. I stand by that statement also. I have also said that India’s salvation lies in sanitation and not just in spirituality, a view that I continue to hold and which you have also endorsed.”

Making sarcastic remark on Modi Ramesh went onto say, “It is clear that even by mistake you are clearly incapable of speaking the truth.”

Ramesh also clarified on Modi’s statement that he did not accept suggestion from Gujarat CM to start packaging institutions in Chikmagalur to promote sale of coffee globally.

“Again this is a blatant lie — I have never received  any suggestion from you along the line you suggest,” he added.

The union minister however, began the letter by saying “My dear Shri Narendra Modi”.

He further wrote that he did not expect any response on the letter from Modi.
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First Published: Apr 14 2014 | 8:52 PM IST

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