Prime Minister Narendra Modi, poked by the opposition for raising his government's Jammu and Kashmir decision while campaigning for the Maharashtra and Haryana polls, today hit back with a two-word phrase in Hindi: "Doob maro (drown in shame)".
PM Modi lashed out at the Congress and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who had accused the ruling BJP of diverting attention from its failures in the two states it rules by tom-tomming the Article 370 move.
"A shameless opposition is asking what is the connection between Article 370 and Maharashtra. We are proud of the children of Maharashtra who sacrificed everything for Jammu and Kashmir. But today, for their political gains, these people who are steeped in their family are asking what has Maharashtra got to do with Jammu and Kashmir? Doob maro! Doob maro!, " the Prime Minister said at a rally in Akola in Maharashtra.
"I am shocked that in the land of Shivaji, today such voices are being raised for political gains. Look at their shamelessness, that they are openly saying that Maharashtra has nothing to do with Jammu and Kashmir."
Maharashtra and Haryana will vote for new assemblies on Monday October 21, and the results will be declared on October 24.
PM Modi, undeterred by Mr Pawar's accusation that the BJP is raising Article 370 as it has nothing to show for its rule in Maharashtra, continued: "You are also happy that Article 370 is gone. But these people are crestfallen...they are in pain. As if something they fed and nurtured is gone. The Article 370 they nurtured has been laid at the feet of citizens."
On Tuesday, Mr Pawar had said at a rally in Pune: "Since the BJP does not have anything concrete to show, they are harping on abrogation of Article 370 in J-K. When it was revoked, some people in Kashmir protested. The Congress supported the proposal and asked that people there be taken into confidence. We are also happy. There were no complaints. I publicly announced my support but they (PM Modi and Amit Shah) question my opinion."
He added: "Question them about farmer suicides, unemployment, closure of industries, and the BJP replies Article 370."
"Festival Symbolising Immense Love": PM Modi Extends Raksha Bandhan Wishes PM Modi Proposes "Global Development Compact" At Global South Summit Widows Living In UP Shelter Homes Send Handmade Rakhis To PM Modi What Murdered Doctor's Father Said About A Torn Page From Her Diary "Trusted Mamata Banerjee But...": Father Of Murdered Doctor To NDTV Flower Seller Forced To Buy iPhone For Son On Hunger Strike, Internet Reacts Elite Jewish High School Graduates Shun Columbia Amid Protest Turmoil Chhattisgarh Father Beats Girl, 8, To Death. She Was Fighting Sister For Toy In Lateral Entry Row, Rahul Gandhi Renews "Attack On Dalits..." Criticism Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.