"Congress' politics has become restricted to spreading lies": Union Minister Nitin Gadkari slams Congress over 'direct attack on BJP' comment

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday slammed the Congress party after the Rahul Gandhi-led party made insensitive attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the Union Minister's recent statement on casteism. While addressing a gathering in Pune on Sunday, Nitin Gadkari had said that he will thrash anyone who will talk about casteism in his district.

"We do not believe in casteism...I do not know about you but there is no place for caste in our five districts because I have warned everybody that if anyone talks about caste, I will thrash him," said the Union Minister.

However, taking a jibe at the BJP party over his comments, the Madhya Pradesh Congress on Monday tweeted that the senior BJP leader had once again attacked PM Modi and the BJP with his statements. The tweet reads, "Gadkari Ji has spoken out against the politics of religion - a policy followed by the BJP. Gadkari ji , When will you thrash those who ask for votes in the name of Hanuman Ji's religion?"

READ: Sonia Gandhi Shows Appreciation To Nitin Gadkari For His Work By 'thumping The Desk' In Lok Sabha

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday took to Twitter and thrashed the Congress for promoting hatred and indulging in “cheap politics”. In a tweet, he wrote, “It is unfortunate that cheap politics has become the identity of the oldest party of the country. Congress' politics has now become restricted to spreading falsehoods and twisting statements. This party is breaking its own record in indulging in politics of hatred and praising itself."

READ: "Will Thrash Those Who Talk About Caste In My Area", Says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Speaking at the Pune event on Sunday, Nitin Gadkari further said: "the entire society should be brought together on the basis of economic and social equality and unity and it also should be free from casteism and communalism". He known for speaking his mind, had kicked up controversies over his public statements in the past.

In an expected turn of events, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi leading the Congress in Lok Sabha on February 7 appreciated the Road and Transport Minister for the "wonderful" work he has been doing in improving the country's infrastructure.

(With agency inputs)