Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has stirred a controversy by comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "Congress leader", seen as Rahul Gandhi, and using the term poonchh ka baal for the latter.
"Narendra Modi ji aur Congress ke neta mein jo antar hai wo itni doori ka hai, jitna antar moonchh ke baal aur poonchh ke baal mein hota hai," Tomar said, while addressing a gathering of BJP workers in Madhya Pradesh's Kolaras on Saturday.
On Monday, the Congress said such comments damage the image of Parliamentarians. Mallikarjun Kharge told ANI that PM Modi should at least clarify and ask leaders to not use such words that set a bad example for the common people.
"I cannot understand how even experienced people in the BJP are talking like this. It damages the image of Parliamentarians. The prime minister should at least clarify and ask them to not use such words. It damages the image of leaders and also the prime minister's."
"You can comment on political ground but using such language is not acceptable. It also sets a bad example for the common people," he said.
Ripun Bora of the Congress said Tomar must furnish an "unconditional apology."
Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP has been power for 15 years, are due by the end of this year.
