Modi hits back, asks why Mani Shankar Aiyar held secret talks with Pakistan envoy

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit back at expelled Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his derogatory 'neech' comment and said that he has not only insulted him but also the people of Gujarat.

“I am not just the Prime Minister, I am your Narendra,” the PM said. He also revealed that Ayer held secret meetings with the Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi.

“The same Mani Shankar Aiyar, who insulted Gujarat, held secret meetings with the Pakistan High Commissioner. What was the reason,” he asked at an election rally in Gujarat's Palanpur.

Although he did not elaborate on his comment, he may have suggested that Ayer and some other Congress leaders maintained a secret relationship with the Pakistanis even if it was against the national interest.

“Why are people who previously held high posts in the Pakistan military intelligence (are) writing that we should help make Ahmed Patel (senior Congress leader) the CM (of Gujarat),” Modi asked.

Leaders cutting across the political spectrum have slammed Aiyar for his disparaging remarks against the prime minister.

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said Aiyar should have been expelled from the party, not just suspension.

He said that "politics of mud-slinging" has become a norm now.

Former Bihar chief minister and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav said is mentally unfit.

Even Aiyar's own party has slammed him for the demeaning remark. Party vice president Rahul Gandhi said it is not the Congress culture to use such a language against a political opponent.

PM Modi is on an extended tour of his home state to campaign for his party in the assembly elections. The first phase of polling was held on Saturday while the second phase will take place on December 14. Poll observers predict a BJP victory for the fifth time.