Key Points
Modi accuses Congress of disrespecting tribal President
Congress denies intentional insult to President Murmu
Political battle escalates over President's speech remarks
PM demands formal apology from Congress leadership
Addressing a public meeting in Dwarka, the Prime Minister said the "royal family of the Congress does not like those who rise from the grassroots" and "repeatedly insults the poor and people from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC communities who are achievers".
The Prime Minister said in a post on X later that the "royal family" should seek an apology from the President.
"Today the royal family of Congress has insulted the President. They should at the earliest tender apology to the President and our poor brothers and sisters and those belonging to SC, ST and OBC communities, he said. The post had video clip of PM's speech at Dwarka rally.
In his speech, PM Modi said "AAPda and Congress represent height of arrogance" and the "royal family of Congress showed its arrogance again today".
"Droupadi Murmuji has come here from a tribal family. Her mother tongue is not Hindi, it is Odia. She inspired the Parliament today in a wonderful way, gave a speech. But the royal family of Congress has started insulting her. A member of the royal family said that the tribal daughter gave a boring speech. Another member went one step further and called the President a poor thing. She called the president poor and a thing and tired. They find the speech of a tribal daughter boring. This is an insult to the 10 crore tribal brothers and sisters of the country. This is an insult to every poor person of the country," he said.
PM Modi said the President's speech talked of the progress being made the country and about farmers' welfare.
"They (Congress leaders) like abusing people, defaming India in foreign countries and talking about urban Naxals," he said.
Referring to the President Murmu's speech, Sonia Gandhi said the President "was getting very tired, by the end...she could hardly speak, poor thing."
Several other BJP leaders also criticised Sonia Gandhi's remarks.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed BJP leaders for politicising Sonia Gandhi's remarks.
"My mother is a 70-80 years old lady, she has simply said that 'the President read such a long speech and she must have been tired, poor thing'...she fully respects (President of India). I think it is very unfortunate that this kind of thing is twisted by the media. They both are two respected people and older than us...she means no disrespect. BJP should first apologise for pushing (the country) into a gorge," she said.
In his speech, PM Modi alleged that the ruling AAP has silently joined hands with Congress and urged Delhi voters to be cautious. "Out of fear of losing, these two egoists have joined hands," he said.
He said Delhi needs a "double-engine" government and said people of the national capital have decided that AAP will be ousted and BJP government will be formed.
"Seeing the growing anger of Delhi's people towards AAP-da, the party has started openly lying. AAP-da's dislike for Haryana is clear, and their actions reflect this. They have blamed Haryana's farmers whenever Delhi faces pollution problems. Now, they are accusing Haryana of polluting the Yamuna River...They have no shame left...They can stoop to any level to prove their lies," he said.
He also slammed the AAP government for not tabling CAG reports.
"In the very first session of the Assembly, the CAG report will be presented. This report will reveal AAP-da's scams, which is why they are trying to hide it...I have seen the enthusiasm of the people of Delhi and we can also see their hatred towards the AAP-da...These people only spread false rumours," he said.
PM Modi said he wants to serve people of Delhi and urged residents to vote in large numbers on February 5.
He also took "sheeshmahal" jibe at AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
"I do not have a house of my own, but my dream is to provide a concrete house to every poor person. But the AAP government here is trying its best to ensure that you do not get proper housing. The AAP government has not handed over thousands of houses built by the central government to the poor people of Delhi. Those who build 'sheeshmahal' worth crores for themselves will never understand the pain of the poor. BJP government must be formed here for the houses of the poor," he said.
"Delhi needs a government of coordination, not one of conflict, so that every major problem of Delhi can be solved together. Together we have to free Delhi from the loot and lies of AAP-da...AAP-da people have made Delhi an ATM to shine their politics. AAP-da people have squeezed out Delhi's money and looted it. By committing scams in Delhi, these AAP leaders use black money for their politics in other states of the country. I assure you that as soon as we form the government in Delhi, we will take strict action against AAP-da's corruption. Those who have looted Delhi will be held accountable and made to return what they took," he added
PM Modi alleged that AAP leaders pick up fights with everyone.
"In the last 11 years, AAP-da has fought with everyone. They fight with the central government, they fight with the people of Haryana, they fight with the people of UP, they do not allow the schemes of the central government to be implemented. If only AAP-da people remain in Delhi, then Delhi will lag in development and will keep getting ruined," he alleged.
Referring to BJP's vision, he said the central government has constructed Yashobhoomi, one of world's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facility in Dwarka.
"Delhi needs a double engine government of the Central and State governments. You saw Congress in power for many years, and then AAP took over Delhi. You have given me the opportunity to serve the country again and again, and now give me a chance to serve Delhi also by forming a double-engine government. A glimpse of the extent to which the BJP wants to make Delhi modern can be seen here in Dwarka," he said.
"The central government constructed a magnificent Yashobhoomi here. Because of Yashobhoomi, thousands of youth from Dwarka and Delhi have got employment and the business of the people has grown here. In the coming time, this entire area will be a kind of smart city," he added.
PM Modi alleged that the AAP government has ignored infrastructure development in Delhi.
"Over the past four years, AAPda has not increased the budget for infrastructure. This year, they are again not releasing funds for it. They don't want to use public money to benefit the people. Instead, they are spending a lot on advertisements," he said.
"You have given me the opportunity to serve the country many times. Now, I urge you to give me an opportunity to work for Delhi as well. I assure you that no stone will be left unturned in the development of Delhi," he added.
Delhi will go to the polls on February 5 and results will be declared on February 8.
