Congress sticks to demand for apology for 'raincoat' remark

The Congress on Friday continued its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "raincoat" jibe, and demanded that he apologise to his predecessor Manmohan Singh for insulting the office of Prime Minister.

A day after the Congress threatened to boycott Modi during the remainder of Parliament's Budget session if he didn't withdraw his "unacceptable" remarks against Singh, the party accused Modi of indulging in "theatrical drama" over showing reverence to Parliament when he first entered its portals in 2014.

"We have taken a stand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to apologise to our former PM Manmohan Singh. The kind of language he has used, it is an insult to the country. He forgets that tomorrow he'll be an ex-Prime Minister," said senior Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily briefing media persons.

"It's an insult to his office. I think he has become 'desperate' in the present elections. Having completed a desperate rally and campaign, he comes back to the Parliament. He should have given charge to somebody else instead of uttering all sorts of desperate words on the floor of the House," added Moily.

He went on: "We have already gone on record saying we are going to boycott him in the remaining part of Parliament's Budget Session unless he tenders an apology."

Modi had said in Parliament on Wednesday that "only Doctor Sahab (Manmohan Singh) knows the art of bathing with raincoat on" by keeping his own record blemishless while scams proliferated under his watch.

The Congress leader accused Modi of indulging in "theatrical drama".

"The floor of the House is very precious. When he entered Parliament, what a theatrical drama he played. He touched the earth saying that he gives that kind of sanctity to Parliament," said Moily.

"Today, what is happening? He is kicking the very same House, which he wanted to revere. This is what is happening," he added.

Asked what will be its strategy in the remaining part of the session, Moily said: "You will also see what will happen when we meet in the next session."

--IANS

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