Gujarat: AAP leader calls PM Narendra Modi 'neech'; 'Casteist' slur a new low, slams BJP

GANDHINAGAR: On a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is touring Gujarat, a video of Gopal Italia, president of the Gujarat unit of the AAP, has gone viral where the leader is seen using derogatory language while referring to the PM.
Italia refers to the PM as "neech kisam ke aadmi" (a lowly person). He goes on to say, "Elections are on. Has any PM in the past taken out a road show and put up an act before casting his or her vote? The 'neech' person is doing a road show and showing how he can take the whole country for a ride. This 'neech' type of person is giving out a message as to how he is fooling the whole nation," Italia is heard saying in the video.
The undated video has triggered a major political storm with senior BJP leaders condemning the abusive rant against the PM.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala in a video message said that the AAP leader has crossed all limits with his casteist slur against the PM and abuse against the Hindu community going to religious discourses.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala said, "This is not only an abuse to the PM and his constitutional position but also a casteist slur being made at the PM who comes from the OBC community. Italia has not only insulted the most proud son of Gujarat by using a casteist slur, but has used objectionable language against Hindus. Will Arvind Kejriwal now sack him?"
"Just as offensive it is to call the PM 'neech', it is equally disrespectful to use the 'C' word as it is hugely disrespectful and abusive towards women. It is an insult to India's naari-shakti. People won't forgive AAP and Arvind Kejriwal for it," tweeted Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department.
Smriti Irani, Union woman and child development minister, slammed Italia remarks as a new low for AAP. "Kejriwal style of politics was thus far defined by the loot of public money, embellished with lies to the people and broken electoral politics. Now AAP abuses India while spewing profanities at the PM is an absolute new low. Politically corrupt, morally bankrupt that's AAP's true face!" tweeted Irani.
"AAP's Gopal Italia using derogatory word 'C' while addressing PM is a shameless display of their bankrupt mentality. They think Gujarat women will tolerate this language? Are they safe under such uncouth leaders? What action is Kejriwal taking," tweeted Preeti Gandhi, BJP Mahila Morcha.
AAP national joint general secretary Isudan Gadhvi distanced the party from Italia's controversial video saying that Italia has made no such statement after joining the party. "I have not seen the video, but the BJP is known for raking up such controversies to divert peoples' attention from the real issues. Gopal Italia has not made any such statement after joining AAP," Gadhvi said.