Rahul Gandhi's use of the word "Shakti" to describe how the BJP is winning elections allegedly with the help of the enforcement agencies and Electronic Voting Machines unfolded a political slugfest, with the saffron party terming the Congress leader's remarks as "misogynistic" and the opposition backing it.
Leading the charge was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that the word shakti represents every mother and daughter and that he worships them.
"On Sunday in Mumbai, there was an INDI alliance rally after the announcement of the schedule for elections. They announced their manifesto in the rally. In Mumbai's Shivaji Park, they said their fight was against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, every daughter is a form of 'Shakti'. Mothers and sisters, I worship you as 'Shakti'. I am Bharat Maa's 'pujari'," he said while addressing a rally in Telangana
"INDI alliance in its manifesto announced to finish/destroy Shakti. I accept their challenge. I will sacrifice my life for the security of mothers and sisters," he further said.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said that Gandhi was against nari shakti.
BJP leader Nalin Kohli said that Gandhi's remarks were an insult to the electorate of India.
Opposition, meanwhile, expressed their support to Rahul Gandhi.
RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said the masses will take their revenge.
"Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is correct. The public will take their revenge (from BJP)," he said.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also backed Gandhi. "Everybody knows this. Look at those Electoral bonds that have come. They (BJP) have used ED, and CBI not only to threaten the opposition but also to make huge amounts of money from them," he added.
Reacting to the remark, AAP leader Gopal Rai said the INDIA bloc is fighting against BJP's alleged bid to establish a dictatorship.
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