Kataria abuses former PM Manmohan Singh, Congress condemns

Jaipur, June 20: Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria kicked up a storm when he hurled an abusive word at former prime minister Manmohan Singh while comparing him to his successor Narendra Modi.

Kataria, a senior BJP leader, was caught on camera abusing Singh with a Hindi swear word while addressing party workers in Churu district yesterday, sparking condemnation by the Congress today which demanded his dismissal and an apology from him.

Kataria said during his US visits 'sa..' Manmohan Singh was received by some random ministers but now President Barack Obama himself receives the prime minister.

"Desh ka pradhan mantri pehle Manmohan Singh jab America utarta tha, toh sa** ko receive karne kay liye aira-gera nathu khaira mantri ja karke airport se lekar ata tha. "Lekin ab Hindustan ka pradhan mantri jab jata hai, toh Obama swayam uth karke jata hai uski agwani karne ke liye.

(When prime minister Manmohan Singh used to go to America, the sa** was received by some random minister at the airport. But now, when India’s prime minister goes, [US President Barack] Obama himself comes to receive him," Kataria said.

Later, he apologised for his comments. "I haven't said anything against Manmohan Singh with wrong intention. If anybody has been hurt, I express regret," he tweeted. Congress demanded action against the senior BJP leader.

Rajasthan PCC chief Sachin Pilot while demanding an apology said, "Statement given by Kataria in public indicates his mental degradation. His remarks have also proved that BJP has lost all moral ground and is presenting its unworthy mindset".

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also condemned Kataria's derogatory remarks and demanded his sacking. "He should be sacked from his post.

BJP leaders are shamelessly saying whatever they want. They have literally crossed all the limits," Gehlot wrote on Facebook.

PTI