Bengaluru: The ongoing war of words between BJP and Congress in Karnataka ahead of by-polls became more bitter on Monday in the state as the Congress took a dig on Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him "angootha-chhaap" (illiterate), NDTV reports
The Karnataka Congress tweeted that Modi never went to study or learn when Congress built schools or set up schemes for adults to learn.
"Those who chose to beg for a living, though prohibited, are pushing citizens for the same today. The country is suffering because of angootha-chhaap Modi," the tweet said in Kannada.
Meanwhile, Congress has now deleted the tweet and also expressed regret for what it called an "uncivil tweet" posted by a "novice social media manager".
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, withdrawing the controversial post, admitted last night that it fell short of the standards of "civil and parliamentary language" in political discourse.
BJP Karnataka Spokesperson Malavika Avinash said that only Congress could stoop so low to make such a remark, and it doesn't even merit a response.
State Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ballal admitted that the tweet had an unfortunate tone and an inquiry would be initiated. However, she said there was no reason for retracting the comment nor an apology.
Bypolls are scheduled in the state on October 30th at assembly constituencies of Sindagi and Hangal. The seats went vacant after the death of a Janata Dal-Secular MLA and a BJP MLA. Since this is the first poll after Basavaraj Bommai replaced BS Yediyurappa as chief minister, much is at stake for the ruling BJP.
Meanwhile, Congress aims to grab both sets as a booster ahead of the 2023 assembly polls. But their position now does not look good as two of its leaders were caught on a hot mic gossiping about their boss, DK Shivakumar, and alleging bribe-taking. Also, the incident was followed by a vigorous Twitter exchange between Congress leader Siddaramaiah and chief minister Bommai.