Congress-BJP in war of words over Vadra land deal

A war of words has been going on between the Congress and the BJP after Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that land was illegitimately transferred to Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

Modi, at a poll rally in Haryana Monday, urged the Election Commission to take "appropriate action" over the Haryana government's nod to a controversial land deal between Vadra and real estate giant DLF.

The BJP alleged the land was transferred after the Model Code of Conduct was put in place.

"The Congress' corrupt dispensation in Haryana has seen to it that a land in dispute is legitimised and handed over to none other than the 'damad' (son-in-law) of the first family, the 'damad' of Congress," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, referring to Robert Vadra.

He took a dig at the Congress, and said: "Mr. Modi has always said there are three Ds - democracy, demography, and demand. Congress says we have a fourth D, which will take all back, that is damad".

The Congress, meanwhile, accused Modi of trying to draw "political gains" by "defaming" Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law before the assembly polls in Haryana.

"The name of Robert Vadra was taken just to have advantage during assembly polls (in Haryana) by defaming him (Vadra) by way of raising land deal issues," Congress leader Rajiv Shukla said.