BJP hits out Lalu's daughter over her 'jail PM' jibe
What's the story
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Misa Bharti has stirred controversy with her recent remarks.
A few days ago, Bharti said that if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance comes to power, all Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could face imprisonment.
The statement triggered a sharp response from the BJP, with several party leaders asking the RJD's leader to reflect on why she was named "Misa" before making such comments.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Bharti's made the comments in response to PM Modi's comparison of the Congress's manifesto to that of the Muslim League.
She defended, "We are talking about generating 30 lakh jobs....increasing the income of farmers two-fold...implementing MSP [minimum support price]."
"He [PM Modi] accuses our family of corruption...do you know how big corruption is involved in electoral bonds...Who will reply to that...If...public gives us an opportunity, PM Modi will be in jail along with the BJP leaders," Bharti added.
Counter-response
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi responds to Bharti
BJP Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi responded to Bharti's remarks by referencing her name's origin.
"The Congress jailed Lalu Prasad Yadav [Bharti's father] under the MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act). Under this Act, anyone could be arrested without...option to approach the court...apply for bail," he said.
"Lalu Yadav at that time vowed to destroy the Congress and hence named his daughter Misa. Is Misaji making fun of her father's oath? She should then change her name," he added.
Vinod Tawade
BJP National General Secretary criticizes Bharti's comments
BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawade also expressed disapproval of Bharti's comments, stating they demonstrated a decline in the opposition's campaign standards.
He criticized, "They are now saying 'Modiji marega.' Misa ji said Modiji would be put in jail."
"But the country wants to hear whether the corrupts will go to jail or not," Tawade said.
Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy CM advises Bharti on corruption allegations
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advised Bharti to focus on her family's corruption allegations.
"Her family is stuck in so many types of scams and corruption. And these charges were not brought by us. The court punished them and so such statements are only mockery of democracy," Fadnavis said.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said everyone can daydream but Bharti must remember that Yadav was neither jailed nor convicted during the BJP government.
Questioning
BJP spokesperson questions Bharti's blame game
Shehzad Poonawala, a national spokesperson for the BJP, reminded Bharti that her father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was neither jailed nor convicted during the BJP government.
He questioned Bharti's blame game by asking if she blames the UPA for her father's arrest, thereby highlighting the complex political dynamics at play.