Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 3: The Congress found itself at the centre of a political storm on Friday after senior party leader Udit Raj compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ravan, the ten-headed demon king of the Ramayana, whose effigy is traditionally burnt during Dussehra to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.

Raj said, “PM Modi is a symbol of modern Ravan, and the way he is building his golden palace, once he enters it, he will see the same golden palace burn.”

The remark triggered sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of repeatedly resorting to “derogatory and undignified” language against the Prime Minister.

“In their hatred for one person, the Congress forgets the dignity of constitutional posts,” said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. He described Raj as a leader who had earlier “justified Maoists and called the RSS terrorists”, and alleged that “being anti-Modi and anti-India has become their standard operating procedure.”

Poonawalla also recalled previous instances where opposition leaders allegedly insulted the Prime Minister and his family. “On one hand, Modi ji enquires about Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s health when he is unwell; this reflects the RSS’s values. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi talks about beating the PM with sticks. They abuse his OBC community,” he added.

The remark by Udit Raj has further intensified the ongoing war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of key state and national elections.