Dikshit hits back at Modi

Criticises him for "lowering the norms" of politics

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today mounted a counter offensive against BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, criticising him for "lowering the norms" of politics by indulging in personal attacks and stoking controversy on a "non-issue".

Dikshit's strong reaction comes a day after the Gujarat Chief Minister kick-started the campaign in her bastion ahead of the November assembly polls and accused Rahul Gandhi of committing the "sin" of insulting the Prime Minister on the ordinance protecting convicted lawmakers.

"The attack was not as per political norms of the country. Political attacks should not be personal. There should be some dignity in politics," the Chief Minister said.

In his rally yesterday, Modi slammed Rahul and asked people to decide in the next Lok Sabha polls if the nation will be run based on the Constitution or whims of the "prince". He had also criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying though he is 'sardar', he is not 'asardar'(effective).

"His attack on Rahul Gandhi showed he had done it without understanding the issue," Dikshit told PTI.

While referring to the purported comparison of Singh to a village woman by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Dikshit chided Modi and said he tried to stoke a controversy on a "non-existing" issue.

"I think he has created a controversy when there was no need to create one. His comments were without basis" said Dikshit.