Cong slams Modi for price rise, China`s claim over Arunachal

New Delhi: Congress on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising prices and China`s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, taunting him on his election campaign claims that a strong government in Delhi could set them right.

Party`s spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the "upward trend" in the prices of food items in the last one month was a matter of concern and appealed to the NDA government to take all measures to control inflation as the time of "rhetoric" was over. Touching on the release of a map by China showing Arunachal Pradesh as its territory when Vice-President Hamid Ansari is still there on an official tour, Ahmad attacked Modi over his "silence" and wondered what has happened to his boast of "56 inch ka seena (56 inch chest)" he often made during poll campaign. Referring to Modi`s frequent use of of the word "maun" (silence) and "mauni" (someone who is silent) to highlight the silence of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over key issues, Ahmad questioned the Prime Minister`s lack of response. "Pakistan also keeps on violating ceasefire. Modi would say over transgressions by China and Pakistan that the weakness was not in border but in Delhi. He would remind us of his 56 inch chest. What has happened to all this? Why is he silent? He should at least tweet," Ahmad said. Ahmad had earlier tweeted on similar lines. "After regular Chinese incursions and ceasefire violations by Pakistan, people are looking for Chhappan Inch Chhati Waale Bhaiya (big brother with 56 inch chest) to act at least on twitter," he had tweeted. Congress also congratulated scientists for the successful launch of PSLV-C23 from Sriharikota and reminded people that the programme was started during the previous Congress regime. The party also reiterated its demand for resignation of Union Minister Nehal Chand over his alleged involvement in a rape case, charging Modi with "double-speak".