Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Chhattisgarh
In this election campaign, the dirty talk is getting coarser.
Narendra Modi, the BJP's candidate for prime minister, asked today if Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is receiving funding from his "mama" or maternal uncle, seen as an attempt to remind voters of the Italian origin of Mr Gandhi's mother, Sonia, who heads the party. (
Read: Modi taunts Sonia, Rahul Gandhi)
The Congress did not opt for the road less travelled - that of restraint - in this election campaign.
"When Mr Modi talks of the development of Gujarat, where does that money come from? His nana (grandfather)?" retaliated Jagdambika Pal, a senior leader of the Congress.
Mr Modi was addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh today, which completes voting for its next government on the 19th. The BJP is looking for a third straight term.
Mr Modi said that Rahul and Sonia Gandhi have alleged that the union government led by their party sends financial assistance to Chhattisgarh, but there's little to show for it. Mr Modi said the state is entitled to central funding and said he has a question for 'shehzada' (prince), the biting honorific he has bestowed upon Mr Gandhi in his campaign."I want to ask Shehzada that you keep on saying that 'we gave so much money'... I want to know if he got the money from his
mama's house. This is the people's money," he said. (
Watch)
Just yesterday, Mr Modi was issued notice by the Election Commission to explain his recent declaration of the Congress symbol, the hand, as a 'khooni panja' or blood-stained claw. (
Read)
The Commission also rebuked Mr Gandhi yesterday for his recent remarks in which he accused the BJP of inciting communal tension and riots across the country. The 43-year-old was warned to be "more circumspect" in his speeches.(
Read: Rahul Gandhi faulted for 'tone & tenor of anti-BJP remarks)