<p>As the campaigning for the second phase of the Gujarat elections reaches fever pitch, Primi Minister addressed a rally in Bhabhar, Gujarat earlier today. While speaking at a rally in Surat yesterday, the Prime Minister lashed out at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for calling him (PM Modi) a &quot;<em>neech</em><em> </em><em>admi</em>&quot;.</p>

<p>Mr Aiyar&#39;s remark had created a furore among political leaders followed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi asking Mr Aiyar to apologise for his use of language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said,&quot; the official tweet noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/938732839880687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later in the day, Mani Shankar Aiyar went on to make remarks like, &quot;I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147" target="_blank"> I can reply to PM in his language</a>&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why was PM taking a jibe at Congress and Rahul Gandhi at inauguration of a Centre on Baba Saheb Ambedkar? Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language: Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/SBqzIjyZsz">pic.twitter.com/SBqzIjyZsz</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938737033056370688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Aiyar later clarified saying that he used the word &quot;<em>neech</em>&quot; in a completely different context.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I meant low level when I said &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue,&quot; clarified Aiyar.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue. So if it has some other meaning then I apologize: Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/yf5tshB1Vt">pic.twitter.com/yf5tshB1Vt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938737804854444032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier today, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Chotta Udaipur and expressed regret over &#39;<em>neech</em> row&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;<em>Congress party </em><em>mein</em><em> </em><em>galat</em><em> </em><em>shabd</em><em> </em><em>prayog</em><em> </em><em>karke</em><em> koi </em><em>bhi</em><em> PM </em><em>ke</em><em> </em><em>baare</em><em> </em><em>mein</em><em> </em><em>nahi</em><em> bol </em><em>sakta</em><em>. Modi </em><em>ji</em><em> </em><em>humare</em><em> </em><em>baare</em><em> </em><em>mein</em><em> </em><em>kuch</em><em> </em><em>bhi</em><em> </em><em>keh</em><em> </em><em>sakte</em><em> </em><em>hain</em><em>. Isliye </em><em>humne</em><em> Mani Shankar Aiyar par </em><em>sakht</em><em> </em><em>karyawahi</em><em> ki</em>,&quot; he noted today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/pYHMJB0QRs">pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043112025964545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the meanwhile, PM Modi, who was addressing locals in a rally in Bhabhar, also targeted Mani Shankar Aiyar.</p>

<p>&quot;Mani Shankar Aiyar told people when he visited Pakistan - remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?&quot; PM noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/swZmETOtiM">pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043969484300288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement shared with media earlier today, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">Mani Shankar Aiyar</a> apologised and stated that he was saddened by the turn of events.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If any damage has been done to Congress because of what I said or did then I am saddened by it. I had no such intention. I am ready to accept any punishment that the Congress party wants to give me: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> on his &#39;Neech&#39; comment <a href="https://t.co/b9CTEOpxlc">pic.twitter.com/b9CTEOpxlc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939045429081079809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said he had no such intentions and is ready to &quot;accept any punishment&quot; that the Congress wants to give him if the party suffers in the Gujarat election because of him.</p>

<p>Aiyar now stands suspended from the Congress.</p>


'I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi,' Aiyar clarified in a statement yesterday

As the campaigning for the second phase of the Gujarat elections reaches fever pitch, Primi Minister addressed a rally in Bhabhar, Gujarat earlier today. While speaking at a rally in Surat yesterday, the Prime Minister lashed out at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for calling him (PM Modi) a "neech admi". Mr Aiyar's remark had created a furore among political leaders followed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi asking Mr Aiyar to apologise for his use of language. "I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said," the official tweet noted. BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 7, 2017 × Later in the day, Mani Shankar Aiyar went on to make remarks like, "I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language". Why was PM taking a jibe at Congress and Rahul Gandhi at inauguration of a Centre on Baba Saheb Ambedkar? Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language: Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/SBqzIjyZsz — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × Aiyar later clarified saying that he used the word "neech" in a completely different context. "I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue," clarified Aiyar. I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue. So if it has some other meaning then I apologize: Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/yf5tshB1Vt — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × Earlier today, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Chotta Udaipur and expressed regret over 'neech row'. "Congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne Mani Shankar Aiyar par sakht karyawahi ki," he noted today. Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne #ManiShankarAiyar par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × In the meanwhile, PM Modi, who was addressing locals in a rally in Bhabhar, also targeted Mani Shankar Aiyar. "Mani Shankar Aiyar told people when he visited Pakistan - remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?" PM noted. #ManiShankarAiyar told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × In a statement shared with media earlier today, Mani Shankar Aiyar apologised and stated that he was saddened by the turn of events. If any damage has been done to Congress because of what I said or did then I am saddened by it. I had no such intention. I am ready to accept any punishment that the Congress party wants to give me: #ManiShankarAiyar on his 'Neech' comment pic.twitter.com/b9CTEOpxlc — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × He said he had no such intentions and is ready to "accept any punishment" that the Congress wants to give him if the party suffers in the Gujarat election because of him. Aiyar now stands suspended from the Congress.

Ready to accept any punishment: Mani Shankar Aiyar

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh lashed out at Mani Shankar Aiyar for his &quot;neech&quot; comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Amar Singh said that Aiyar has insulted several politicians in the past including&nbsp;former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Union Minister Uma Bharti.</p>

<p>&quot;In this country, many people have been troubled by Mani Shankar Aiyar. Aiyar has insulted many influential people like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. I too have had a sour experience with him,&quot; said Amar Singh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Iss desh ke anek neta Mani peedit hain, iss mein Uma Bharti ji, late Jayalalithaa ji aur tamaam bade bade naam hain. Mai swayam bhi Mani peedit hoon: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s remark about PM Modi yesterday <a href="https://t.co/rkDVMvEpmk">pic.twitter.com/rkDVMvEpmk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938961628044804096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Singh also recalled a similar incident between him and Aiyar.</p>

<p>Amar Singh also recalled a tiff between him and Aiyar saying, &quot;Once there was dinner at Satish Gujral&#39;s house, after consuming alcohol he was saying such things that I had a historical argument with him.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Gujral saab (Satish Gujral, brother of former PM IK Gujral) ke niwaas par ek bhoj tha; madhyapaan karke, nashe mein choor madmast aadhe ghante itni kroor baatein wo kar rahe the ki humari aur unki ek etihaisik jhadap hui: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/4Npg8XZg5d">pic.twitter.com/4Npg8XZg5d</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938961820454305793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later he gave him a befitting reply, &quot;The tiff between me and Aiyar became famous across the country,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>On Thursday Aiyar&#39;s&nbsp;raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a &quot;neech aadmi.&quot;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-remark-row-bjp-should-improve-their-language-says-surjewala-26173">&#39;Neech&#39; remark row: BJP should improve their language, says Surjewala</a></p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147"> &#39;Neech&#39; row: I can reply to PM in his language, says Mani Shankar Aiyar</a></p>

<p>But later, Aiyar&nbsp;clarified that it was unintentional&nbsp;and happened due to his poor understanding of Hindi Language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mani Shankar has now been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">suspended</a> from the primary membership of the party and also issues a show cause notice by Congress.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


On Thursday Aiyar's?raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'neech aadmi'

Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh lashed out at Mani Shankar Aiyar for his "neech" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amar Singh said that Aiyar has insulted several politicians in the past including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Union Minister Uma Bharti. "In this country, many people have been troubled by Mani Shankar Aiyar. Aiyar has insulted many influential people like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. I too have had a sour experience with him," said Amar Singh. Iss desh ke anek neta Mani peedit hain, iss mein Uma Bharti ji, late Jayalalithaa ji aur tamaam bade bade naam hain. Mai swayam bhi Mani peedit hoon: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark about PM Modi yesterday pic.twitter.com/rkDVMvEpmk — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Singh also recalled a similar incident between him and Aiyar. Amar Singh also recalled a tiff between him and Aiyar saying, "Once there was dinner at Satish Gujral's house, after consuming alcohol he was saying such things that I had a historical argument with him." Gujral saab (Satish Gujral, brother of former PM IK Gujral) ke niwaas par ek bhoj tha; madhyapaan karke, nashe mein choor madmast aadhe ghante itni kroor baatein wo kar rahe the ki humari aur unki ek etihaisik jhadap hui: Amar Singh on Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/4Npg8XZg5d — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Later he gave him a befitting reply, "The tiff between me and Aiyar became famous across the country," he added. On Thursday Aiyar's raised a controversy by his choice of words as he referred Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "neech aadmi." Also read: 'Neech' remark row: BJP should improve their language, says Surjewala Also read: 'Neech' row: I can reply to PM in his language, says Mani Shankar Aiyar But later, Aiyar clarified that it was unintentional and happened due to his poor understanding of Hindi Language. Mani Shankar has now been suspended from the primary membership of the party and also issues a show cause notice by Congress.

Amar Singh calls Aiyar 'habitual offender'

<p>A poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks on Narendra Modi has gone viral on social media.</p>

<p>A poster with the written name of Hasib Ahmed, Congress leader from Allahabad has portrayed a batsman body with Rahul Gandhi&#39;s face on it and is seeing whacking a ball with Aiyar&#39;s face on it.</p>

<p>The poster reads &quot;well done Rahul bhaiya,&quot; with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi&#39;s face incorporating in the poster.</p>

<p>The poster is being heavily shared on social media and receiving mixed reactions as some are actually congratulating Gandhi for his&nbsp;quick decision of straight suspension, some are also seeing it as a sign of how quickly the party abandons its member.</p>

<p>A Former Union Minister and a party member, Mani Shankar Aiyar, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as &quot;neech,&quot; later he accepted his mistake and clarified saying that as Hindi is not his mother tongue he may have misspoken.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amar-singh-calls-aiyar-habitual-offender-26197">Amar Singh calls Aiyar &#39;habitual offender&#39;</a></p>


The poster reads 'well done Rahul bhaiya,' with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's face incorporating in the poster

A poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks on Narendra Modi has gone viral on social media. A poster with the written name of Hasib Ahmed, Congress leader from Allahabad has portrayed a batsman body with Rahul Gandhi's face on it and is seeing whacking a ball with Aiyar's face on it. The poster reads "well done Rahul bhaiya," with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's face incorporating in the poster. The poster is being heavily shared on social media and receiving mixed reactions as some are actually congratulating Gandhi for his quick decision of straight suspension, some are also seeing it as a sign of how quickly the party abandons its member. A Former Union Minister and a party member, Mani Shankar Aiyar, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "neech," later he accepted his mistake and clarified saying that as Hindi is not his mother tongue he may have misspoken. Also read: Amar Singh calls Aiyar 'habitual offender'

Poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar goes viral

<p>In a move to avoid any further political distress, the Congress has instructed all its spokesperson to steer clear of making any comments on PM Modi or his public addresses.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress instructs all its spokespersons not to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or his public addresses.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939149133788545025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Political leaders took to condemning Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who recently made headlines for calling PM Modi a &#39;<em>neech</em><em> </em><em>aadmi</em>&#39;.</p>

<p>The veteran Congressman was asked by Congress supremo Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the PM and later suspended from the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mani Shankar Aiyar later confessed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-i-am-ready-to-accept-any-punishment-that-the-congress-wants-to-give-me-says-mani-shankar-aiyar-26240" target="_blank">his willingness to accept any punishment</a> from the Congress if the party faces loss in Gujarat elections owing to the &#39;<em>neech</em>&#39; row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alluded to the topic earlier today while addressing a rally in Chotta Udaipur stating that Congress respects the PM and that nobody in the party can use ill language to talk about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-pak-mani-shankar-aiyar-said-remove-modi-from-the-way-says-pm-modi-in-gujarat-rally-26269" target="_blank">Prime Minister</a> of the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/pYHMJB0QRs">pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043112025964545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;<em>Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne Mani Shankar Aiyar par sakht karyawahi ki</em>,&quot; he noted.&nbsp;</p>


Political leaders took to condemning Congress Leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who recently made headlines for calling PM Modi a 'neech aadmi'

In a move to avoid any further political distress, the Congress has instructed all its spokesperson to steer clear of making any comments on PM Modi or his public addresses. Congress instructs all its spokespersons not to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or his public addresses. — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Political leaders took to condemning Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who recently made headlines for calling PM Modi a 'neech aadmi'. The veteran Congressman was asked by Congress supremo Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the PM and later suspended from the party. Mani Shankar Aiyar later confessed his willingness to accept any punishment from the Congress if the party faces loss in Gujarat elections owing to the 'neech' row. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alluded to the topic earlier today while addressing a rally in Chotta Udaipur stating that Congress respects the PM and that nobody in the party can use ill language to talk about the Prime Minister of the country. Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne #ManiShankarAiyar par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne Mani Shankar Aiyar par sakht karyawahi ki," he noted.

Congress instructs spokespersons not to comment on PM Modi: Report

<p>PM Modi at a rally in Gujarat said&nbsp;that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/poster-congratulating-rahul-gandhi-for-suspending-mani-shankar-aiyar-goes-viral-26213">Mani Shankar Aiyar</a>&nbsp;had told &quot;people when he visited Pakistan - &quot;remove Modi&quot;&nbsp;from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded an apology from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-i-am-ready-to-accept-any-punishment-that-the-congress-wants-to-give-me-says-mani-shankar-aiyar-26240">Aiyar</a>&nbsp;to PM Modi, the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders went on to target the Congress veteran in BJP rallies and official events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?&quot; the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s remark</a> on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been met with much condemnation from political leaders across party line.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/swZmETOtiM">pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043969484300288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, campaigning for the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections wrapped up today, PM Modi was seen addressing multiple rallies in Gujarat talking about many other instances when&nbsp;eminent leaders had called him inappropriate names.</p>

<p>He noted the fact that even Sonia Gandhi had called him &#39;<em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/poster-congratulating-rahul-gandhi-for-suspending-mani-shankar-aiyar-goes-viral-26213" target="_blank">neech</a></em>&#39; previously.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They have not called me &#39;Neech&#39; for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too. Why am I &#39;Neech&#39; - because I was born poor, because I am of a lower caste, because I am a Gujarati? Is that why they hate me: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/GEplZf7WPO">pic.twitter.com/GEplZf7WPO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939120449916583936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Digvijaya Singh said Modi Sarkar is like Rakshas Raaj and Modi is Ravana,&quot; added PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What did Anand Sharma say-PM Modi is mentally unstable.A Congress leader re-tweeted such an offensive Tweet about me that I cannot even say it. What did Digvijaya Singh Tweet about me? Evidently, one Gujarati, a person born into a poor family has troubled them a lot: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/1npa9OzV24">pic.twitter.com/1npa9OzV24</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939122951948976128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur... Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli,&quot; PM Modi stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One more Congress leader called me a monkey. Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur. Beni Prasad Verma called me a mad dog. He also said we won&#39;t let this mad dog win. Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli. Are these the kind of things we should say in public life?: PM Modi</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939123987438747648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus,&quot; the Prime Minister complained.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Imran Masood, who they gave a ticket to, he said we will cut Modi into pieces.Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus. She said I bring Namonitis. I don&#39;t even want to get started on what Gujarat Congress leaders have been calling me: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLmJotnrbQ">pic.twitter.com/dLmJotnrbQ</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">Mani Shankar Aiyer</a> stands suspended by the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'They have not called me 'neech' for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too,' said PM Modi

PM Modi at a rally in Gujarat said that Mani Shankar Aiyar had told "people when he visited Pakistan - "remove Modi" from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace". While Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded an apology from Aiyar to PM Modi, the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders went on to target the Congress veteran in BJP rallies and official events. "What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?" the Prime Minister said. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been met with much condemnation from political leaders across party line. #ManiShankarAiyar told people when he visited Pakistan- remove Modi from the way and then see what happens to India-Pakistan peace. What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?: PM Modi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/swZmETOtiM — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Meanwhile, campaigning for the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections wrapped up today, PM Modi was seen addressing multiple rallies in Gujarat talking about many other instances when eminent leaders had called him inappropriate names. He noted the fact that even Sonia Gandhi had called him 'neech' previously. They have not called me 'Neech' for the first time yesterday. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family members have used it too. Why am I 'Neech' - because I was born poor, because I am of a lower caste, because I am a Gujarati? Is that why they hate me: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/GEplZf7WPO — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Digvijaya Singh said Modi Sarkar is like Rakshas Raaj and Modi is Ravana," added PM Modi. What did Anand Sharma say-PM Modi is mentally unstable.A Congress leader re-tweeted such an offensive Tweet about me that I cannot even say it. What did Digvijaya Singh Tweet about me? Evidently, one Gujarati, a person born into a poor family has troubled them a lot: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/1npa9OzV24 — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur... Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli," PM Modi stated. One more Congress leader called me a monkey. Jairam Ramesh compared me to Bhasmasur. Beni Prasad Verma called me a mad dog. He also said we won't let this mad dog win. Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am Gangu Teli. Are these the kind of things we should say in public life?: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus," the Prime Minister complained. Imran Masood, who they gave a ticket to, he said we will cut Modi into pieces.Renuka Chowdhury called me a virus. She said I bring Namonitis. I don't even want to get started on what Gujarat Congress leaders have been calling me: PM Modi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/dLmJotnrbQ — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Mani Shankar Aiyer stands suspended by the Congress.

In Pak, Mani Shankar Aiyar said 'remove Modi from the way', says PM Modi in Gujarat rally

<p>Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using objectionable language indiscriminately and asked them to improve their conduct.</p>

<p>The statement comes after BJP leader Amit Shah said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s &#39;low-born&#39; remark against Prime Minister Modi had resonated the culture of the Congress Party.</p>

<p>Claiming that the prime minister had crossed all limits, Surjewala told ANI, &quot;The BJP and Prime Minister Modi have been using intemperate and objectionable language and sometimes downright filthy language for the Congress leadership and the Congress Party. Prime Minister Modi had crossed all limits when he tried to belittle, humiliate and berate.&quot;</p>

<p>Shah had tweeted, &quot;Neither shocked nor surprised by Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s referring to PM as &#39;Neech.&#39; This is the culture of the Congress Party. People of Gujarat will punish anti-poor, anti-Dalit, anti-Tribal and anti-OBC Congress.&quot;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Congress Party has suspended Mani Shankar Aiyar from the primary membership of the party, in the wake of his &#39;neech&#39; remark sparking a controversy.</p>

<p>Surjewala, on Thursday, took to Twitter to apprise of the development.</p>

<p>To this end, he told ANI that Congress had a Gandhian culture and heritage, which is why party vice president Rahul Gandhi publically reprimanded and directed Aiyar to apologise to the prime minister for using unacceptable and unparliamentary language.</p>

<p>&quot;We may oppose each other on policies and issues. But the balance of language, the gravitas of politics and the balance of culture, respect for opponent should never be lost,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Asking the BJP and Prime Minister Modi to keep a check on their language, Surjewala added, &quot;We hope Prime Minister Modi will now show the courage or conviction to take an action against his own party members and also looking within to improve his language and conduct.&quot;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Aiyar had told ANI that it was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who turned Dr Ambedkar&#39;s wish into reality and it was not correct to badmouth the Nehru-Gandhi family.</p>

<p>&quot;This person [PM Modi] is a &#39;neech aadmi&#39; (low-minded). He is not civilised and in a situation like this, there is no need to practice such dirty politics,&quot; Aiyar had said.</p>

<p>He later &#39;apologised&#39; for calling Prime Minister Modi &#39;neech???????&#39;, saying he implied a different meaning for the word and denied calling the prime minister a &#39;Chaiwala&#39;.&nbsp;</p>


The statement comes after BJP leader Amit Shah said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'low-born' remark against Prime Minister Modi had resonated the culture of the Congress Party.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using objectionable language indiscriminately and asked them to improve their conduct. The statement comes after BJP leader Amit Shah said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'low-born' remark against Prime Minister Modi had resonated the culture of the Congress Party. Claiming that the prime minister had crossed all limits, Surjewala told ANI, "The BJP and Prime Minister Modi have been using intemperate and objectionable language and sometimes downright filthy language for the Congress leadership and the Congress Party. Prime Minister Modi had crossed all limits when he tried to belittle, humiliate and berate." Shah had tweeted, "Neither shocked nor surprised by Mani Shankar Aiyar's referring to PM as 'Neech.' This is the culture of the Congress Party. People of Gujarat will punish anti-poor, anti-Dalit, anti-Tribal and anti-OBC Congress." Meanwhile, the Congress Party has suspended Mani Shankar Aiyar from the primary membership of the party, in the wake of his 'neech' remark sparking a controversy. Surjewala, on Thursday, took to Twitter to apprise of the development. To this end, he told ANI that Congress had a Gandhian culture and heritage, which is why party vice president Rahul Gandhi publically reprimanded and directed Aiyar to apologise to the prime minister for using unacceptable and unparliamentary language. "We may oppose each other on policies and issues. But the balance of language, the gravitas of politics and the balance of culture, respect for opponent should never be lost," he said. Asking the BJP and Prime Minister Modi to keep a check on their language, Surjewala added, "We hope Prime Minister Modi will now show the courage or conviction to take an action against his own party members and also looking within to improve his language and conduct." Earlier in the day, Aiyar had told ANI that it was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who turned Dr Ambedkar's wish into reality and it was not correct to badmouth the Nehru-Gandhi family. "This person [PM Modi] is a 'neech aadmi' (low-minded). He is not civilised and in a situation like this, there is no need to practice such dirty politics," Aiyar had said. He later 'apologised' for calling Prime Minister Modi 'neech???????', saying he implied a different meaning for the word and denied calling the prime minister a 'Chaiwala'.

'Neech' remark row: BJP should improve their language, says Surjewala

<p>Mani Shankar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">Aiyar was today suspended </a>from primary membership of the Congress.</p>

<p>In a rally in Surat in Gujarat today, PM Modi had said Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar had allegedly called him &quot;neech&quot;.</p>

<p>A show cause notice has also been issued to Mani Shankar Aiyar by Congress&nbsp;over his remarks about PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, said Modi is &#39;Neech.&#39; This is insulting. This is nothing but a <em>Mughalai</em> mindset,&quot; PM Modi had said at an election rally in Gujarat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/938732839880687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mani Shankar Aiyar had retorted saying that &quot;Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language.&quot;</p>

<p>Congress vice-president intervened and asked Aiyar to apologise for his use of language against PM Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM,&quot; the Congress leader tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Aiyar, however, remained defiant and said: I meant low level when I said &quot;neech&quot;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue.&quot;</p>

<p>He added that he never called the PM a &quot;tea seller&quot; which had become cropped up during 2014 election.</p>

<p>&#39;Neech&#39; word can have different interpretations, my intention was never to talk of PM&#39;s caste, Mani Shankar said later.</p>

<p>&quot;I apologize if it also has a caste meaning. I am an ordinary worker of Congress, I have not even been asked to campaign in Gujarat so why such an uproar over my comment?&quot;, Aiyar said.</p>


Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar has been suspended from Congress

Mani Shankar Aiyar was today suspended from primary membership of the Congress. In a rally in Surat in Gujarat today, PM Modi had said Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar had allegedly called him "neech". A show cause notice has also been issued to Mani Shankar Aiyar by Congress over his remarks about PM Modi. "Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, said Modi is 'Neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai mindset," PM Modi had said at an election rally in Gujarat. BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 7, 2017 × Mani Shankar Aiyar had retorted saying that "Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language." Congress vice-president intervened and asked Aiyar to apologise for his use of language against PM Modi. "The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM," the Congress leader tweeted. "Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said," he added. Aiyar, however, remained defiant and said: I meant low level when I said "neech", I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue." He added that he never called the PM a "tea seller" which had become cropped up during 2014 election. 'Neech' word can have different interpretations, my intention was never to talk of PM's caste, Mani Shankar said later. "I apologize if it also has a caste meaning. I am an ordinary worker of Congress, I have not even been asked to campaign in Gujarat so why such an uproar over my comment?", Aiyar said.

After 'neech' jibe on PM Modi, Congress suspends Mani Shankar Aiyar

<p>As the campaigning for the first phase of the Gujarat elections draws to an end, PM Narendra Modi conducted a rally in Surat earlier today.</p>

<p>While addressing the local crowd here, PM Modi talked about Congress&#39; failure as a governing party, &quot;People did not get continuous electricity. When the BJP got to serve Gujarat we ensured continuous power. The demand for Surat was long pending and it is the BJP that has worked on this,&quot; he noted.</p>

<p>PM Modi went on to talk about Congress&#39; Mani Shankar Aiyar who had allegedly called him &quot;neech&quot;. &quot;Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, said Modi is &#39;Neech.&#39; This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai mindset,&quot; PM Modi exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, he said Modi is &#39;Neech.&#39; This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai Mindset: PM <a href="https://t.co/9IvKewDPMw">pic.twitter.com/9IvKewDPMw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938722393953988608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad reacted by saying that Congress leader, Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s mindset is a &quot;darbaari&quot; one. &quot;He (Mr Aiyar) has called our PM &#39;neech&#39; but we are proud of our Prime Minister,&quot; Ravi Shankar Prasad noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mani Shankar Aiyar has called our PM &#39;neech&#39; but we are proud of our Prime Minister, he has answered (Mani Shankar Aiyar) very politely &amp; sensibly. Aiyar&#39;s mindset is a &#39;darbaari&#39; one: Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/XLc3T1Ryp3">pic.twitter.com/XLc3T1Ryp3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938727256834240513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi further noted that &quot;the people of Gujarat will give a fitting answer to such deplorable language...&nbsp;They can call me &#39;Neech&#39;- Yes, I am from the poor section of society and will spend every moment of my life to work for the poor, Dalits, Tribals and OBC communities. They can keep their language, we will do our work,&quot; he noted while addressing the rally in Surat.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes, they called me &#39;Neech&#39; but our value systems are strong. We have nothing to say to such elements. Our answer will come through ballot box. We have seen enough insults from them. They insulted me when I was CM. They called me &#39;Maut Ka Saudagar&#39; &amp; wanted to jail me: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/XNxyeTKBb7">pic.twitter.com/XNxyeTKBb7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938724845763813376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the meanwhile Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi asked Mr Aiyar to apologise for his use of language against PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/938732839880687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had previously derided PM Modi calling him a tea seller who could never become the Prime Minister of the country.</p>

<p>Mani Shankar Aiyar finally retorted saying that &quot;Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language,&quot; he told media today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why was PM taking a jibe at Congress and Rahul Gandhi at inauguration of a Centre on Baba Saheb Ambedkar? Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language: Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/SBqzIjyZsz">pic.twitter.com/SBqzIjyZsz</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938737033056370688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue,&quot; clarified Aiyar.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue. So if it has some other meaning then I apologize: Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/yf5tshB1Vt">pic.twitter.com/yf5tshB1Vt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938737804854444032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Political leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav&nbsp;and Union Minister of Finance&nbsp;Arun Jaitley also reacted on the row.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is not just a matter of filthy language but of Congress&#39; mindset which says that only one family can rule this country and if someone from the weaker section becomes PM then they call him &#39;chaiwala&#39; &amp; &#39;neech&#39;: Arun Jaitley <a href="https://t.co/cWtDZMx7Cb">pic.twitter.com/cWtDZMx7Cb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938741097609568256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In case you missed out on what was exactly said by Mr Aiyar, here&#39;s a look!</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: &quot;Ye aadmi bahut neech kisam ka aadmi hai, is mein koi sabhyata nahi hai, aur aise mauke par is kisam ki gandi rajniti karne ki kya avashyakta hai?: Congress&#39; Mani Shankar Aiyar on PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/sNXeo6a1Gi">pic.twitter.com/sNXeo6a1Gi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938705515760123904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had previously derided PM Modi calling him a tea seller who could never be Prime Minister

As the campaigning for the first phase of the Gujarat elections draws to an end, PM Narendra Modi conducted a rally in Surat earlier today. While addressing the local crowd here, PM Modi talked about Congress' failure as a governing party, "People did not get continuous electricity. When the BJP got to serve Gujarat we ensured continuous power. The demand for Surat was long pending and it is the BJP that has worked on this," he noted. PM Modi went on to talk about Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar who had allegedly called him "neech". "Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in a democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, said Modi is 'Neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai mindset," PM Modi exclaimed. Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, he said Modi is 'Neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai Mindset: PM pic.twitter.com/9IvKewDPMw — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × Union Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad reacted by saying that Congress leader, Mani Shankar Aiyar's mindset is a "darbaari" one. "He (Mr Aiyar) has called our PM 'neech' but we are proud of our Prime Minister," Ravi Shankar Prasad noted. Mani Shankar Aiyar has called our PM 'neech' but we are proud of our Prime Minister, he has answered (Mani Shankar Aiyar) very politely & sensibly. Aiyar's mindset is a 'darbaari' one: Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/XLc3T1Ryp3 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi further noted that "the people of Gujarat will give a fitting answer to such deplorable language... They can call me 'Neech'- Yes, I am from the poor section of society and will spend every moment of my life to work for the poor, Dalits, Tribals and OBC communities. They can keep their language, we will do our work," he noted while addressing the rally in Surat. Yes, they called me 'Neech' but our value systems are strong. We have nothing to say to such elements. Our answer will come through ballot box. We have seen enough insults from them. They insulted me when I was CM. They called me 'Maut Ka Saudagar' & wanted to jail me: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/XNxyeTKBb7 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × In the meanwhile Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi asked Mr Aiyar to apologise for his use of language against PM Modi. BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 7, 2017 × Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had previously derided PM Modi calling him a tea seller who could never become the Prime Minister of the country. Mani Shankar Aiyar finally retorted saying that "Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language," he told media today. Why was PM taking a jibe at Congress and Rahul Gandhi at inauguration of a Centre on Baba Saheb Ambedkar? Everyday PM is using foul language against our leaders. I am a freelance Congressi, I hold no post in the party, so I can reply to PM in his language: Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/SBqzIjyZsz — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × "I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue," clarified Aiyar. I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue. So if it has some other meaning then I apologize: Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/yf5tshB1Vt — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × Political leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley also reacted on the row. It is not just a matter of filthy language but of Congress' mindset which says that only one family can rule this country and if someone from the weaker section becomes PM then they call him 'chaiwala' & 'neech': Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/cWtDZMx7Cb — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 × In case you missed out on what was exactly said by Mr Aiyar, here's a look! #WATCH: "Ye aadmi bahut neech kisam ka aadmi hai, is mein koi sabhyata nahi hai, aur aise mauke par is kisam ki gandi rajniti karne ki kya avashyakta hai?: Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar on PM Modi pic.twitter.com/sNXeo6a1Gi — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2017 ×

'Neech' row: I can reply to PM in his language, says Mani Shankar Aiyar

<p><br />
&quot;I congratulate the Congress on their &#39;Aurangzeb Raj&#39;,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Gujarat on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;For us, the well being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was campaigning in Valsad&#39;s Dharampur for the upcoming Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-for-congress-president-amarinder-singh-says-will-make-very-good-prime-minister-25796" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi files nomination for Congress president, Amarinder Singh says &#39;will make very good prime minister&#39;</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mani Shankar Aiyar said that &#39;did elections happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shahjahan came, was any election held? After Shahjahan it was understood Aurangzeb will be the leader&#39;. So Congress accepts its a family party? We don&#39;t want this Aurangzeb rule: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/8gF08GiSRI">pic.twitter.com/8gF08GiSRI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937580342973685760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi also referred to Rahul Gandhi&#39;s temple visits in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing in this election, where they are going,&quot; Modi said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Unfortunately for them, Muslims know their real nature,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also accused the Opposition of spreading &quot;disinformation&quot; against the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Disinformation like BJP does this and that against Muslims has been spread. This family party made it their main agenda to spread disinformation about BJP.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;But Gujarat people are not so naive, they have now become sensitive and aware to disinformation,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the &quot;Congress cannot either tolerate or accept leaders from Gujarat&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They have always defamed Gujarat,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>


'For us, the well being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command,' Modi added

"I congratulate the Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj'," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Gujarat on Monday. "For us, the well being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command," he added. Modi was campaigning in Valsad's Dharampur for the upcoming Gujarat elections. Also read: Rahul Gandhi files nomination for Congress president, Amarinder Singh says 'will make very good prime minister' Mani Shankar Aiyar said that 'did elections happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shahjahan came, was any election held? After Shahjahan it was understood Aurangzeb will be the leader'. So Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/8gF08GiSRI — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2017 × Modi also referred to Rahul Gandhi's temple visits in Gujarat. "Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing in this election, where they are going," Modi said. "Unfortunately for them, Muslims know their real nature," Modi added. He also accused the Opposition of spreading "disinformation" against the BJP. "Disinformation like BJP does this and that against Muslims has been spread. This family party made it their main agenda to spread disinformation about BJP." "But Gujarat people are not so naive, they have now become sensitive and aware to disinformation," Modi added. He also said that the "Congress cannot either tolerate or accept leaders from Gujarat". "They have always defamed Gujarat," he added.

I congratulate Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj': PM Modi in Gujarat

<p>After Jairam Ramesh spoke about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-sultanate-has-gone-but-we-behave-as-if-we-are-sultans-still-jairam-ramesh-on-congress-party-18670" target="_blank">Congress party facing an &quot;existential crisis&quot;</a>, senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has asked his fellow Congressmen to look at the reality.</p>

<p>&quot;Congressmen should look at the reality. We have only 44 MPs and faced serious setbacks,&quot; Aiyar told ANI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congressmen should look at reality. We have only 44 MPs&amp; faced serious setbacks: Mani Shankar Aiyar on Jairam Ramesh&#39;s statement on Congress <a href="https://t.co/KuYNyubCFH">pic.twitter.com/KuYNyubCFH</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895608639406223361">August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also said that Ramesh is a true Congressman and what he said should not be ignored.</p>

<p>The former minister said if the party doesn&#39;t &quot;pay attention to different opinions and find out the solution then we cannot go forward&quot;.</p>

<p>On Monday, Jairam Ramesh asserted that the Congress is facing an existential crisis and a collective effort is required to overcome the challenges faced by the party.</p>

<p>Ramesh said that the party has to understand that it faces a&nbsp;challenge from Modi and Shah who think differently&nbsp;and if it isn&#39;t flexible in its approach it will become irrelevant.</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;said that old slogans don&#39;t work anymore as India has changed and the party needs to change. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Aiyar said that the party needs to look at the reality that it has just 44 members of parliament and faced serious setbacks

After Jairam Ramesh spoke about Congress party facing an "existential crisis", senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has asked his fellow Congressmen to look at the reality. "Congressmen should look at the reality. We have only 44 MPs and faced serious setbacks," Aiyar told ANI. Congressmen should look at reality. We have only 44 MPs& faced serious setbacks: Mani Shankar Aiyar on Jairam Ramesh's statement on Congress pic.twitter.com/KuYNyubCFH — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × He also said that Ramesh is a true Congressman and what he said should not be ignored. The former minister said if the party doesn't "pay attention to different opinions and find out the solution then we cannot go forward". On Monday, Jairam Ramesh asserted that the Congress is facing an existential crisis and a collective effort is required to overcome the challenges faced by the party. Ramesh said that the party has to understand that it faces a challenge from Modi and Shah who think differently and if it isn't flexible in its approach it will become irrelevant. He also said that old slogans don't work anymore as India has changed and the party needs to change.

Another Congressman joins chorus, Mani Shankar Aiyar says party 'needs to look at reality'

<p>While taking a dig at Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh&#39;s remark on Kashmir, the Congress Party on Monday said that it is the pet dialogue of the ruling dispensation, adding that until it changes its &#39;Hindu rashtra&#39; mindset, the incumbent government would not be able to succeed at finding a solution to Kashmir.</p>

<p>Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar slammed the Centre for being unable to do anything for solving the &#39;Kashmir&#39; problem in the past three years.</p>

<p>&quot;I hope they do but I just cannot believe that they will be able to succeed because until fundamentally they change their mindset and not attempt to establish a &#39; Hindu rashtra&#39; by fair means or fowl, they cannot find a solution to Kashmir,&quot; Aiyar told ANI.</p>

<p>&quot;Certainly, nothing that they have done in the last three years gives any indication that they have any idea at all as to how to solve the problem. They certainly know how to aggravate it,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar also spoke on the same lines, mocking the government for only speaking but being unable to show the same in their actions.</p>

<p>Babbar further said that the Centre&#39;s foreign policy, security policy and policy towards Pakistan is a complete &quot;failure&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;They have two pet dialogues. One, this is age-old problem. They say this regarding everything, be it law and order, border policy, foreign policy etc. Second, this is condemnable and a befitting reply will be given soon. But, they have been unable to do anything in the past three years. At the time of demonetisation also, they said terrorism will end now. But gradually, terror activities started again,&quot; Babbar told ANI.</p>

<p>Assuring complete closure of the Kashmir issue on behalf of the government, Rajnath Singh yesterday made a strong statement that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat belong to India.</p>

<p>&quot;We understand that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat are ours. I assure you that we will come up with a permanent solution to end the issue,&quot; he said while addressing a gathering in Pelling, Sikkim.</p>

<p>In the hope of resolving the ongoing friction between India and Pakistan regarding territorial disputes in Kashmir, the Union Home Minister said it is time for Islamabad to mend its ways and come to a consensus on the issue, rather than prolonging the same.</p>

<p>&quot;Pakistan continues to carry out acts of violence in the name of Kashmir, just to destabilise us. It is time for Pakistan to end these and look into resolving the matter and extending cooperation,&quot; said Rajnath.</p>

<p>Developing on the importance of easing tensions along the border, Rajnath while drawing upon the reduction of border transgression with China, said Pakistan was invited to maintain friendly relations and not just bilateral ties.</p>

<p>&quot;There might be perceptional differences, but the border friction with China has declined now. Pakistan Prime Minister was invited to the oath-taking ceremony not just to join hands, but to be cordial hereafter,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


'I hope they do but I just cannot believe that they will be able to succeed because until fundamentally they change their mindset,' Mani Shankar Aiyar said

While taking a dig at Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's remark on Kashmir, the Congress Party on Monday said that it is the pet dialogue of the ruling dispensation, adding that until it changes its 'Hindu rashtra' mindset, the incumbent government would not be able to succeed at finding a solution to Kashmir. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar slammed the Centre for being unable to do anything for solving the 'Kashmir' problem in the past three years. "I hope they do but I just cannot believe that they will be able to succeed because until fundamentally they change their mindset and not attempt to establish a ' Hindu rashtra' by fair means or fowl, they cannot find a solution to Kashmir," Aiyar told ANI. "Certainly, nothing that they have done in the last three years gives any indication that they have any idea at all as to how to solve the problem. They certainly know how to aggravate it," he added. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar also spoke on the same lines, mocking the government for only speaking but being unable to show the same in their actions. Babbar further said that the Centre's foreign policy, security policy and policy towards Pakistan is a complete "failure". "They have two pet dialogues. One, this is age-old problem. They say this regarding everything, be it law and order, border policy, foreign policy etc. Second, this is condemnable and a befitting reply will be given soon. But, they have been unable to do anything in the past three years. At the time of demonetisation also, they said terrorism will end now. But gradually, terror activities started again," Babbar told ANI. Assuring complete closure of the Kashmir issue on behalf of the government, Rajnath Singh yesterday made a strong statement that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat belong to India. "We understand that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat are ours. I assure you that we will come up with a permanent solution to end the issue," he said while addressing a gathering in Pelling, Sikkim. In the hope of resolving the ongoing friction between India and Pakistan regarding territorial disputes in Kashmir, the Union Home Minister said it is time for Islamabad to mend its ways and come to a consensus on the issue, rather than prolonging the same. "Pakistan continues to carry out acts of violence in the name of Kashmir, just to destabilise us. It is time for Pakistan to end these and look into resolving the matter and extending cooperation," said Rajnath. Developing on the importance of easing tensions along the border, Rajnath while drawing upon the reduction of border transgression with China, said Pakistan was invited to maintain friendly relations and not just bilateral ties. "There might be perceptional differences, but the border friction with China has declined now. Pakistan Prime Minister was invited to the oath-taking ceremony not just to join hands, but to be cordial hereafter," he said. (ANI)

'Will find solution to Kashmir' is pet BJP dialogue: Cong