Modi's remark against Rajiv Gandhi an insult to people, reflects his frustration: Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark against the late premier Rajiv Gandhi was an "insult" to the people of the country and reflected his "frustration" in the face of imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, Modi had targeted the former prime minister while attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said, "Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari no 1."

In a statement, Pilot, the Rajasthan Congress president, said, "It is very unfortunate that Modi made such an objectionable comment regarding a former prime minister. He has not only insulted Rajiv Gandhi but also the sentiments of the people of the country." He said the remark reflected "frustration" of Modi and his BJP in the face of imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha election.

"He has lowered the dignity of PM's post and his words reflect BJP's mindset," Pilot said. Congress general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pandey said Modi's remark against Rajiv Gandhi was "highly condemnable".

He said such a comment shows that the ideology Modi supports does not honour ancestors.