Clarifying earlier remarks, Dwivedi calls Congress 'symbol of Indian-ness'

Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi on Thursday clarified his earlier comments regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his remarks had been taken out of context by the agency concerned.

Dwivedi was reacting to statements made on Wednesday, where he was seemingly seen to praise Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party for being the symbol of 'Indian-ness'.

"A news agency came to me yesterday and the topic of discussion was on why the Congress lost [the 2014 Lok Sabha elections]. During a detailed discussion, one or two sentences were uttered, in which I said that Modi ji and the BJP have been successful in telling the voters that they are close to the people and that they represent the people of India. I used the phrase 'Bharatiyata' (Indian-ness). I also said that we were unable to do so," Dwivedi told mediapersons.

"However, the agency that released the footage said that I have praised Modi ji, but I don't understand where I have done so. As a politician, as a student and a teacher, and as someone who used to write, I am well aware of what Indian-ness is. I know what Indian tradition and culture is. The Congress has always been the symbol of Indian-ness and I can never say that about any other party," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Congress high command criticised Dwivedi's statements and warned of disciplinary action being taken against the party general secretary.

"Narendra Modi in no way reflects India's ideology or Indian-ness. What he [Janardan Dwivedi] has said is definitely not the viewpoint of the Congress. The party leadership will discuss about the disciplinary action to be taken against him. Congress's view about 'Indian-ness' is completely opposite from what Janaradan Dwivediji has said," party leader Ajay Maken told the media.