Abusive, unparliamentary: Congress on BJP calling Rahul Gandhi a drug addict

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar has slammed the BJP over their state-unit president calling Rahul Gandhi a drug addict, a day after he apologised for his “uncivil” tweet for PM Narendra Modi. This comes after Karnataka BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel accused Kerala MP Rahul Gandhi of drug use. 

In a tweet, Shivakumar wrote, “Yesterday I said I believe we should be civil and respectful in politics, even to our opponents. I hope the BJP agrees with me, and will apologise for their state president’s abusive and unparliamentary remarks against Rahul Gandhi.”

Nalin Kumar Kateel called Gandhi “a drug addict”, and claimed “it (proof of his allegations) has appeared in news reports”.

He further took a jibe at Congress’ leadership woes, following Gandhi’s statement that he would consider returning as a party boss during the CWC meeting. 

“Your G-23 says Sonia Gandhi is not president. Sonia Gandhi says she is president. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi says he will become president. Tell me what is Rahul Gandhi? Rahul Gandhi is a drug addict and drug peddler… I’m not saying this, it has appeared in news reports,” Mr Kateel said.

“They are unable to run the party. Those who cannot run a party, how can they run this country?” he was quoted by ANI.

He went ahead and slammed Congress for “the lowest standard of politics” despite their apology, while declaring “the people of India love Prime Minister Modi”.

“This is the lowest standard of politics. They have used derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister… Not only do the people of India love Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even the President of America also respects Narendra Modi,” he said.

The heated exchange was triggered by a tweet by Congress leader DV Shivakumar that referred to the Prime Minister as an “angootha-chhaap”, or illiterate person.

In response to the widespread criticism, he commented, “I have always believed that civil and parliamentary language is a non-negotiable pre-requisite for political discourse.”

“An uncivil tweet made by a novice social media manager through the Karnataka Congress official Twitter handle is regretted and stands withdrawn,” he said.