We have not been brought up in a 'dog-like' loyal tradition: PM hits back at Kharge

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, for claiming that ‘not even a dog’ from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had fought for the country’s freedom.

“People such as Gandhiji, Indiraji sacrificed their lives for the country’s unity, who was there from your side? Not even a dog,” Kharge said in the Lower House on Monday.

Modi replied on Tuesday during a speech in the Lok Sabha, “Hum kutton wali parampara se pale bade nahin hain.” (We have not been brought up in a dog-like loyal tradition.)

Modi added, “Inkey mooh se sunne ko nahi mila hai ki koi Bhagat Singh, Azad bhi they; inko lagta hai ki aazadi sirf ek pariwaar ne dilayi hai.” (The Congress has never spoken of the contribution of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh and Azad. They think only one family has given us freedom.)

He went on to add: “There are many like me who could not die for the nation but we live for and serve India.”

Kharge’s statement had led to outrage in Parliament, with some members demanding that his remarks be expunged.

Subsequently, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had warned Congress MPs against making such derogatory comments.