 "Sharma says Modi authoritarian of worst kind")
Accusing Narendra Modi of disrespecting senior BJP leaders, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma today said the party's Prime Ministerial candidate is not committed to tradition and is an authoritarian of the worst kind.
"This has been going on for quite some time. And the entire country is watching. And an individual (Modi) who is projected to lead the country. If he is not committed to the traditions of this country to respect the elders. That is authoritarianism of the worst kind," he said.
Sharma was responding to a question on whether senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh, who was denied a party ticket from Barmer Lok Sabha constituency, was being humiliated by Modi.
Defying the party, Jaswant Singh today filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Barmer and accused party president Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of "betraying" him.
On the controversy regarding the 'Har Har Modi' slogan, Sharma said it is a modification of the phrase used for Lord Shiva and has thus hurt the religious sentiments many people.
"It only unmasked the BJP's true character and also the characteristic double speak of BJP. It has been part of their campaign. It is there in the backdrop of their rallies, including the rallies which have been addressed by Narendra Modi, by Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders," he said.
"There have been strong protests. Religious sentiments of a large number of people (have been hurt) because 'Har Har Mahadev' is a phrase of Lord Shiva.
"On one hand, Modi wants to go to Kashi, and then he wants 'Har Har Modi'. (Is) Modi above Mahadev? How can that be accepted? Now they are running away. They do not know how to get out of this mess that is their own creation," Sharma said.
The BJP yesterday distanced itself from the slogan raised by its supporters in Varanasi and said its official slogan was "Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar" (This time, Modi government).
Sharma, who is a Rajya Member, has offered to take on Modi in Varanasi in the general election. The Congress has yet to announce who will contest against Modi in the holy city.
"This has been going on for quite some time. And the entire country is watching. And an individual (Modi) who is projected to lead the country. If he is not committed to the traditions of this country to respect the elders. That is authoritarianism of the worst kind," he said.
Sharma was responding to a question on whether senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh, who was denied a party ticket from Barmer Lok Sabha constituency, was being humiliated by Modi.
Defying the party, Jaswant Singh today filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Barmer and accused party president Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of "betraying" him.
On the controversy regarding the 'Har Har Modi' slogan, Sharma said it is a modification of the phrase used for Lord Shiva and has thus hurt the religious sentiments many people.
"It only unmasked the BJP's true character and also the characteristic double speak of BJP. It has been part of their campaign. It is there in the backdrop of their rallies, including the rallies which have been addressed by Narendra Modi, by Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders," he said.
"There have been strong protests. Religious sentiments of a large number of people (have been hurt) because 'Har Har Mahadev' is a phrase of Lord Shiva.
"On one hand, Modi wants to go to Kashi, and then he wants 'Har Har Modi'. (Is) Modi above Mahadev? How can that be accepted? Now they are running away. They do not know how to get out of this mess that is their own creation," Sharma said.
The BJP yesterday distanced itself from the slogan raised by its supporters in Varanasi and said its official slogan was "Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar" (This time, Modi government).
Sharma, who is a Rajya Member, has offered to take on Modi in Varanasi in the general election. The Congress has yet to announce who will contest against Modi in the holy city.
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 →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
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
SAVE 25%