BJP ally Ramdas Athawale, the chief of Republican Party of India, Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been "falsely portrayed" as anti-Muslim, describing him as someone who believes in politics of development.
He also took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress president should "dream" of becoming Leader of Opposition rather than prime minister. He said he wants Gandhi to remain president of the Congress party as it would "benefit the BJP and Narendra Modi ji".
Athawale took charge as Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment for a second term on Monday.
Prime Minister Modi has been falsely portrayed as anti-Muslim, he said. "He is not so."
Taking a potshot on Rahul Gandhi, Athawale said, "It would be in the interest of the BJP and Modiji if he continues to be the Congress president for a longer period. The Congress should not replace him with any other leader as that would cause more damage to the party."
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