PM should learn decorum from Advani, Joshi: Congress

Amid the ongoing row over Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari not being invited for the International Day of Yoga celebrations, the Congress Party on Monday alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre has become a habitual offender to people holding constitutional offices, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should learn decorum from veterans L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

"The BJP and the Government of India are becoming habitual offenders to people holding constitutional offices. If the BJP insults the people holding constitutional positions, it is not a good sign. This is an

insult to the entire nation. What reason did Ram Madhav have to insult the vice president?" asked Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Surjewala also criticized Minister of State for Ayush Shripad Yesso Naik's statemen that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest of International Day of Yoga, the President or Vice President could not be invited as per protocol as the two are above the position of the Prime Minister in order of precedence.

"Shripad Naik's statement is an insult to injury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consult senior leaders like (L K) Advani ji and (Murli Manohar) Joshi ji and learn about decorum," said Surjewala.

BJP leader Ram Madhav today deleted a tweet he posted on Sunday questioning Ansari's absence. He also said that he later learnt that the Vice President was unwell.

He subsequently deleted the tweet with an apology.

The Vice President's office had yesterday said in a statement that Ansari was not invited for the event.