Alvi kicks up row with remarks over PM

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : May 16 2016 | 7:07 PM IST
Congress leader Rashid Alvi today kicked up a row with his remarks over Prime Minister Narendra Modi, evoking sharp reaction from an audience, which asked him to take back his words and apologise.
Organisers of the India TV conclave "Samvaad", to mark the two years of completion of Modi government, tried to pacify the agitated audience who shouted down the Congress leader as words of 'shame shame' rent the air.
It all started with Alvi asking HRD Minister Smriti Irani, who was also present, on what action was being initiated on Modi coming out as "most stupid Prime Minister" in Google search. This was offended to by the audience.
Responding to the remarks, Irani said, "In Congress, those who throw stones and spits at Narendra Modi will be blue-eyed. The poison against Narendra Modi has crossed the limits that people forget that he is country's Prime Minister."
"When Rashid bhai uses such words for the country's Prime Minister, what kind of words does he use for a woman minister by saying that 'it is heard that you are very close to Modi ji'. We have to live with this poison everyday and then you say why does Smriti Irani get angry," she said.
Lashing out at the Congress, she said, "There is a cabal who have festered this democracy for too long. They have lived off the scraps of the dynasty and they have done this irrespective of the damage they do to institutions. Because their whole survival was never dependent on their talent, but it was dependent on their proximity."
Irani said by the example put forth by Alvi, neither Modi nor his supporters would be hurt, but the Congress leader has only Alvi lowered his own image by doing so.
Earlier BJP leader and former JD-U MP Sabir Ali said it reflected the mindset of Congress, who were unable to digest their defeat and that their regime and influence were gone.
"I expect him to take back his words. I feel such language can be used only by people with such mindset who have a regret that their regime and influence have gone. Those who feel that being influential is their right can use such words," he said.
Lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi said Google provided information the way it was put forth before the search engine. "It is like an algorithm. Google always follows the pattern of your search. It is not a gospel, it is a pattern. It is an algorithm and should be read like that," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 16 2016 | 7:07 PM IST

Next Story