PM Modi takes dig at dynastic politics

Jammu, July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took a dig at the culture of dynastic politics and appeared to target Congress by taking a veiled swipe at Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra who is embroiled in controversies over his land deals.

He also disapproved of political untouchability, saying the national heritage should not be divided and all leaders who have worked and died for the nation should be given equal regard irrespective of their ideologies and affiliations.

Modi, who was here to commemorate the birth centenary of late leader Girdhari Lal Dogra, hailed him for the selfless contribution to the society without indulging in nepotism.

He noted that Dogra was Jammu and Kashmir's tall leader who had presented 26 Budgets as Finance Minister of the state but never did any favours for his family members, including his son-in-law Arun Jaitley, now the union Finance Minister.

"Both (Dogra and Jaitley) took their own routes in public life. But today, we know what kind of talk is going on because of son-in-laws," he said, in an apparent reference of Vadra who is embroiled in controversies related to land deals.

Modi disapproved of political untouchability as he addressed the function which was attended by Jaitley, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi and senior Congress leader Karan Singh.

"Today in politics, there is a need to ensure that our heritage is not divided. This is a matter of concern," he said, amid a tussle among political parties to claim the legacy of various national leaders.

His remarks came after Azad said Dogra was "24 carot Congressman", who never "compromised with regionalism, casteism and communalism". Modi said public life cannot run by judging a person on the basis of his political party, ideology or leadership.

"There should not political untouchability. Everybody in public life works with certain ideology but he lives and dies for the nation. We should be proud of them and have equal regard for anybody who has worked and died for the nation, irrespective of their political ideologies and affiliations.

PTI