Political Firestorm: Congress Leader Labels PM Modi 'Modern Ravana,' Sparks Nationwide Outrage

A fresh and intense political controversy has erupted in India after Congress leader Udit Raj provocatively compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'modern Ravana,' citing pressing issues such as unemployment and poverty. This inflammatory statement, made amid the fervor of the Lok Sabha election campaign, has drawn immediate and fierce condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further escalating the already heated political rhetoric.

Udit Raj's contentious remarks came during a period when Prime Minister Modi himself had invoked mythological references, drawing parallels between himself and Lord Ram.

Raj seized upon this, asserting that if Modi was to be seen as a divine figure, then he embodied a contemporary version of Ravana, the antagonist from the epic Ramayana, due to the nation's struggles with joblessness and widespread poverty. He elaborated, stating, "If the Prime Minister is an incarnation of Lord Ram, then we are living in Ram Rajya.

But if there is unemployment, poverty and inflation, then he is a modern Ravana."

The BJP wasted no time in launching a blistering attack on the Congress leader, calling his comments utterly reprehensible and a new low in political discourse. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned the statement as “the height of desperation” from the Congress party, highlighting a perceived pattern of disrespectful remarks directed at the Prime Minister.

“This is the height of Congress’s desperation and frustration,” Poonawalla stated emphatically, linking Raj’s comments to what the BJP views as a consistent denigration of PM Modi and Indian culture.

Another prominent BJP spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, echoed the sentiment of outrage, labeling Raj’s comparison “unpardonable.” Bhatia emphasized the religious and cultural significance of Lord Ram in India, accusing Raj and the Congress of not only disrespecting the Prime Minister but also deeply offending the sentiments of millions of devout Hindus.

“This is not just an insult to a democratically elected Prime Minister but also an insult to Lord Ram and the faith of crores of Indians,” Bhatia asserted, demanding an unconditional apology from the Congress leadership.

Further intensifying the backlash, BJP’s national spokesperson Sambit Patra also weighed in, highlighting a series of past instances where Congress leaders had made controversial statements about PM Modi.

Patra specifically recalled remarks by other Congress figures, such as Shashi Tharoor's 'scorpion on Shivling' comment, and Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'neech aadmi' (lowly person) jibe. He argued that Udit Raj’s 'modern Ravana' epithet was a continuation of this disturbing trend, showcasing a deep-seated animosity within the Congress towards the Prime Minister and the ruling party.

Patra demanded accountability from the Congress high command, questioning whether these statements reflected the party's official stance.

The exchange underscores the increasingly acrimonious nature of Indian politics, particularly during election cycles. As the Lok Sabha elections progress, such controversial statements are likely to fuel further debates and accusations, potentially influencing voter sentiment and shaping the broader narrative of the election campaign.

The Congress party now faces pressure to clarify its position on Udit Raj’s remarks and manage the fallout from this significant political controversy.