PM retorts to Rahul over 'Modi' surname jibe, says Congress branded entire community thief

At his rallies in Chhattisgarh, the prime minister also sought to woo the influential Sahu community, saying in Gujarat, people belonging to the community bear 'Modi' surname.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday retorted to Congress President Rahul Gandhi remarks on how all "thieves" have 'Modi' surname, saying the Congress has branded an entire community thief. At his rallies in Chhattisgarh, the prime minister also sought to woo the influential Sahu community, saying in Gujarat, people belonging to the community bear 'Modi' surname. "The Congress is saying whoever has Modi in their name are thieves. What kind of politics is this? They have branded an entire community thieves, that too only to get applause and to insult your chowkidar (watchman)," Modi said. "The Sahu community of Chhattisgarh is called Modi in Gujarat. In Rajasthan, they are called Rathore. Are all Modis thieves? What kind of language is this?" he posed. Gandhi had on Monday attacked the prime minister over the issue of corruption and asked how come all "thieves" have 'Modi' as the common surname as he referred to fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. In the 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, which ended the BJP's 15-year-old rule in the state, the Sahus, who are OBCs, were seen to have backed the Congress. The community accounts for about 14 per cent of the state's population of around 2.75 crore. In the assembly polls, the BJP had fielded 14 Sahu candidates, 13 of whom lost. Of the eight Sahu nominees fielded by the Congress, five won. For the Lok Sabha, the BJP and Congress each have fielded two candidates from the community. The BJP has given ticket Arun Sao and Chunnilal Sahu from Bilaspur and Mahasamund, respectively. The Congress has fielded Dhanedra Sahu from Mahasamund and Bholaram Sahu from Rajnandgaon. After Modi's rallies, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel tweeted in hindi, "In Gujarat (he is) tea-seller, in Uttar Pradesh son of Ganga, a Sahu in Chhattisgarh, and a thief when at the Ambanis." In another tweet, he alleged the 2002 Gujarat riots and the "intolerance" in the country in the last five years show that "Modi wants to divide the country in the name of caste, religion and communities". Chhattisgarh has a rich cultural heritage and whoever tries to divide it will get a befitting reply from the people, the Congress leader said.