National Conference leader Omar Abdullah distanced himself from the recent remarks made by I.N.D.I.A bloc ally Lalu Yadav, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his family during a party rally in Patna on Sunday. Abdullah, on Friday (March 8), expressed his disapproval of such statements, stating that he was "never in favour" of slogans attacking personal aspects, as they often backfire on the Opposition.
Abdullah said that the Prime Minister used the 'Parivarvaad' issue very well, stating that passing such comments constitutes a "self-goal" for the Opposition, as they do not resonate with the public perception. Abdullah stressed the need to focus on issues that concern the people instead of engaging in personal attacks.
"We do a self-goal by giving such statements and allow (PM) Modi to score. We should raise issues concerning people. Chowkidar, Adani-Ambani, Rafale, family...these things don't work," added the JKNC leader.
Lalu Yadav's criticism of PM Modi's personal life prompted a united response from top BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari, and Jyotiraditya Scindia. They collectively added 'Modi ka Parivaar' to their social media biodatas, countering the 'no family' remark.
During the Jan Vishwas Maha Rally in Patna, Lalu Yadav accused PM Modi of spreading hatred under the guise of religion, questioning his Hindu identity.
"What can we do if Narendra Modi doesn't have his own family? He continually brags about the Ram temple. He isn't even a real Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard after his parents die. Modi did not do so after his mother died," Lalu had said.
In response, PM Modi, addressing a public gathering in Telangana's Adilabad, asserted that his life is an open book, and every citizen of the country is part of his family.
In 2019, following the introduction of the "Chowkidar" slogan by the Prime Minister, both BJP leaders and the public embraced the prefix "Main Bhi Chowkidar" to their names.