BJP's 'contract on nationalism and patriotism behind targetting of Rahul , says Kharge

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making 'unnecessary' statements against party vice president Rahul Gandhi over his 'dalali' remark, claiming the latter is only trying gain political mileage out of the issue in the run-up to next year's elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Kharge said "It seems they have taken a contract of nationalism and patriotism, that is why BJP spokespersons have been targeting him (Rahul)."

Kharge further said that the Congress has always supported the Centre over the surgical strike carried out by Indian Army across Line of Control (LoC).

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday attacked Gandhi, asking whether "dalali" was an appropriate word used in reference for the Indian Army and their valiant efforts in serving the nation.

Addressing a press conference, Shah hit out at Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others for politicising the September 29 strike.

Another BJP MP Babu Lal from Roorkee stirred a fresh controversy, saying that Rahul Gandhi should instead "seek proof of his own birth as to whom he was born to".