Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP on Tuesday as he addressed the Indian diaspora in the US, where he is on a six-day tour.
Addressing an audience in San Francisco, Rahul Gandhi said there are people in India who think they know more than God and PM Modi is "one such specimen". In a sharp rebuttal, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said the Congress leader "couldn't digest" the praise and appreciation for the Prime Minister during his recent foreign visits.
Speaking at the 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' event organised by the Indian Overseas Congress USA, Rahul Gandhi said some people are "absolutely convinced" that they know everything and can explain history to historians, science to scientists and warfare to the army.
"The world is too big and complicated for any person to know everything. That is the disease...There is a group of people in India who are absolutely convinced they know everything. They think they know even more than God. They can sit with God and explain to him what's going on. And of course, our prime minister is one such specimen. If you sat Modiji with God, he will explain to God how the universe works and God will get confused about what have I created," said the Congress leader.
"They think they can explain history to historians, science to scientists and warfare to the army. But at the core of it is mediocrity. They're not ready to listen." he said.
The comments drew a sharp response from the ruling party. Union Minister Anurag Thakur accused the Congress leader of insulting India during his visits abroad.
"During his foreign visits, Rahul Gandhi insults India, which is unacceptable. He wants to insult PM Modi but ends up insulting India, questioning India's progress. He is trying to tarnish India at a time the world is acknowledging our growing stature," Mr Thakur said.
"PM Modi met almost 24 PMs and Presidents of the world and held over 50 meetings during his foreign visit recently. Several world leaders say Modi is the most popular leader. When the Australian PM said 'PM Modi is the Boss', Rahul Gandhi could not digest this," added the Union Minister.
Rahul Gandhi Shares Photo With Indira Gandhi On Her Birth Anniversary "Lip Service": Citing Tribals, KTR Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi On Caste Census Looting Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde Takes On Rahul Gandhi Over Dharavi Project Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest NDMC Launches 'Night Cleaning Drive' Amid Delhi's 'Very Poor' Air Quality Israel Strikes Kill 52 In Lebanon As Hezbollah Targets South Israel 4 Members Of 'Band Baja Baraat' Gang Arrested From Delhi-Gurugram Border Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.