New Delhi: The Congress has taken strong exception a remark by an Indian envoy about the 'dynastic' grand old party's rule for 55 years.
Criticising Indian ambassador to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra's remark, the Congress said that an envoy cannot attack the opposition openly.
The row started following an editorial in The Irish Times titled 'Modi tightens his grip' which said that “India’s democratic credentials have been severely tarnished” by a “widespread crackdown on free speech and Opposition parties, with hundreds of politically targeted corruption and tax cases filed against Opposition MPs and leaders”.
At the same time when it predicted a comfortable third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the editorial mentioned tax cases against opposition leaders and the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The editorial also said, “Most recent was the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal… over an alleged ‘scam’ involving alcohol sales… And Congress, India’s largest Opposition party, has seen the tax authority freeze millions in its bank accounts, crippling its ability to campaign,”
The Indian embassy termed the editorial highly biased, prejudiced, and besmirched PM Modi, democracy, law enforcement institutions and the "Hindu-majority" people of India.
The Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra, wrote a rejoinder with the headline “Modi enjoys unprecedented popularity” in which he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys unprecedented popularity not only in India but globally because of his impeccable personal character and integrity and thought-leadership on innovative, inclusive governance and sustainable development.”
Mishra added, "The fight against the deeply entrenched ecosystem of corruption (created by the 55-year rule, including the first 30 years, by a single dynastic party in India) is a major factor behind Mr Modi's ever-growing popularity. There is a huge sense of relief at the grassroots level to witness action being taken and recoveries made from the rich and powerful elites who operated with a sense of entitlement of impunity."
Reacting to Mishra's remark, Congress leader and communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "Defending the Government of India is one thing and is to be expected. But to attack Opposition parties openly in thus manner like a party apparatchik is not expected from an Ambassador even if he be a political appointment.”
In a subsequent post Ramesh said, “I stand corrected. This Ambassador is actually a career diplomat which makes his comments even more shameful, disgraceful and completely unacceptable. He has actually breached service rules and should be sacked right away”. “This is unprofessional and disgraceful behaviour on his part-but is par for the Modi course I guess,” the Congress leader said.