Cong asks Modi to 'apologise' to the nation over his statement

New Delhi, Aug 18: Congress today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "forthwith apologise" to the nation over his statement that BJP has faced more adversities in independent India as compared to what Congress would have during the British rule.

"The Prime Minister has humiliated and denigrated the entire freedom struggle of India. Coming from the Prime Minister, this is unacceptable. We will not tolerate it."

"He should withdraw the statement and he should forthwith apologise to the nation," the party's Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a sharp reaction to the Prime Minister's comments.

Taking a dig at BJP and the Sangh Parivar, Surjewala alleged that Modi has "disowned" the freedom struggle and "belittled" the sacrifices of freedom fighters as the ruling party did not participate in the movement for independence.

"Neither BJP nor RSS or the predecessor organisation of BJP participated in the freedom struggle. They actually supported the British...," he said.

His reaction came close on the heels of the Prime Minister's remarks that BJP has faced more adversities in independent India as compared to what Congress would have during the British rule.

Asserting that BJP has made more sacrifices than any other party, Modi, who laid the foundation stone of the new party headquarters here, said, "BJP will be the only party which has faced adversities since its birth.

It faced difficulties at every turn and its every effort was seen in bad light. "Even during the British time, the Congress party would not have faced so much adversity that we, our dedicated workers have gone through in 50-60 years," he said.

PTI