Beni Prasad Verma compares divisive Modi to a 'monster'

Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma stoked a fresh controversy late on Friday night here, by comparing BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to a "monster".

"A person, who discriminates between Hindus and Muslims in this country and create hatred between them, is not a human being, but a monster," Prasad said at an election rally in Maskanwa town in Gonda District.

"Modi must tell whether he is a human being or not. On the massacre of the people in Gujarat, you (Modi) say that it's a reaction. You tease Muslims by stating that even if a puppy comes under you vehicle, you feel sad," he added.

Prasad's latest comment could attract a second censure in two from the Election Commission, and a possible ban on campaigning.

Prasad warned that 85 per cent of downtrodden people in India could face dire circumstances if Modi was made the next prime minister.

He said that when the British could not remove the Congress, how did the BJP and Modi expect to do so.

A dig was also taken on the Gujarat chief minister's educational qualification, which Prasad described as fake.