Prime Minister Narendra Modi “maliciously twists” every statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to inflame communal prejudices and passions, the party said on Sunday, responding to PM Modi’s “insulted maharajas but silent on atrocities of sultans” attack on the Wayanad MP.

In a strongly worded remark, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed PM Modi wanted to inflame communal prejudices and passions in India.

“He maliciously and mischievously twists every statement of Rahul Gandhi to inflame, incite and ignite communal prejudices and passions,” he wrote on X.

Jairam Ramesh claimed that PM Modi’s remark showed his exit was inevitable. He claimed his campaign speeches were shameful.

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“His (Modi’s) exit is inevitable and his realisation of that is making him more and more desperate. His campaign speeches are shameful really,” Ramesh added.

What did PM Modi say?

While addressing an election rally in Belagavi, Karnataka, PM Modi claimed Rahul Gandhi had called Indian rulers atyachari or oppressive. He said the Congress views India’s history from an eye of appeasement and vote bank politics.

He accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting Rajas and Maharajas in India but remaining silent on the atrocities committed by Sultans, Nawabs, Nizams, and Badshahs. He was referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements on the rule of the Kings and the Maharajas.

PM Modi said Rahul Gandhi had insulted iconic Indian rulers like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma, PTI reported.

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“He (Gandhi) has accused them (rajas and maharajas) of usurping the lands and properties of people and the poor … The Congress’ shehzade has insulted great personalities like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma, whose administration and patriotism inspire us even today,” the Prime Minister added.

“Shehzade spoke ill about rajas, maharajas but shahzade’s mouth was locked regarding the ‘atyachar’ that the nawabs, nizams, sultans and badshahs committed in India’s history. His mouth was shut on them but on rajas, maharajas he speaks ill and insults them,” he added.

He further said that Congress’s “appeasement mindset” was out in the open and that it is reflected in their manifesto as well.

Meanwhile, in another rally in Karnataka. PM Modi said those who turned down the invitation to the Ram Temple event in Ayodhya, will be rejected by the people of India in the Lok Sabha elections.

Five of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are pending. Two phases of polling were conducted on April and April 26. Votes will be counted on June 4.