Expressing shock and disappointment, Modi during his address in Varanasi said, “Those who are not in their senses themselves are calling UP’s youth ‘naseri’ (intoxicated).” He strongly condemned Gandhi’s remarks, calling them “out of touch” and “frustration-driven.”
He called out Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as the “Yuvraj” (prince) of the Congress’ “Shahi Parivar” (royal family), for making derogatory remarks about the youth of Uttar Pradesh.
He termed Gandhi’s comments “an insult” and vowed to “never forget” it.
Modi attributed the alleged insult to the Congress party’s fear of the young generation’s talent and their discomfort with the transformed cities of Kashi and Ayodhya.
He blamed the Congress party’s “parivarvaad” (dynastic politics), corruption, and appeasement policies for the state’s underdevelopment for decades.
What Rahul Gandhi said?
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had claimed to have witnessed intoxicated people on the streets of Varanasi.
“I went to Varanasi and I saw people lying on roads drunk. The youths of Uttar Pradesh are on a trip after consuming liquor by night. On the other hand, there is the Ram Mandir which is only visited by the likes of PM Modi, Ambani and Adani. You will see all our billionaires there but not a single person from a backward class or the Dalit community,” Rahul Gandhi said.
“Your place is only limited to roads for begging while they (Centre’s alleged corporate cronies) keep minting money,” he added.
This statement sparked controversy, seen as an attack on Modi’s constituency and his development initiatives in the city. Gandhi further criticised the lack of representation of “backward class and Dalit community” in the Ram Mandir, implying favouritism towards wealthy individuals.
The Varanasi constituency has seen a huge influx of funds from the Centre and state government and is also a part of the Smart City mission, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015.
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