While dubbing Modi as a “dictator”, he also launched a vitriolic attack on the opposition parties, saying it is the “duty of all Hindus and Muslims to guard the country and temple of democracy from dogs.”
“Modi is a dictator and a dictator can never become the prime minister of this country… BJP can do whatever it wants...Keep making tall claims or buy the media but Modi will never be able to become the prime minister,” Verma told reporters here last night. The Union minister said, “If Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister of the country, Modi will be in jail in six months time as he is an accused in the Gujarat riots.”
Verma said several founder members of the BJP have been “humiliated” and “sidelined” after Modi’s elevation in the party.
Dismissing suggestions a joint candidate will be fielded against Modi from Varanasi, he said a strong candidate will be fielded by the Congress from there and it would be decided soon.
Later addressing an election meeting in Itiyathok township of Gonda from where he is seeking re-election, Verma described Modi and Mulayam Singh as the biggest "enemies of secularism".
Facing competition from Akbar Ahmed Dumpy (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Masoor Khan (Peace Party) at a time when BJP is confident of getting support of Hindus in the constituency, Verma, ostensibly addressing the sizeable Muslim population, said, "Country is like a temple of democracy and we all have to protect and guard it".
“It is the duty of all Hindus and Muslims to guard the country and temple of democracy from dogs (who are out to soil it),” Verma said.
The Union minister noted that in these elections everyone is out to become the prime minister.
Referring to the lion and hyena barbs exchanged between Modi and Akhilesh Yadav, Verma advised the UP chief Minister to tell his Gujarat counterpart that "he would be given a goat of Etawah feeding on whose milk he (Modi) too would become a goat.”
The Congress leader said though his party will not field candidates from Kannauj and Mainpuri (seats contested by SP's Dimple Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav), it will put up a candidate in Azamgarh (the other seat from where Mulayam is in the fray).
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)