First an Italian insulted PM Modi, now an 'Italia' disrespected his mother: Anurag Thakur's jibe at AAP

According to an India Today report, while addressing a rally in poll-bound Gujarat, the BJP MP said, "Earlier an Italian woman used to insult Prime Minister Narendra Modi now an Italia is insulting his mother."

It was apparent that he was targeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was born in Italy, and the AAP's Gujarat unit head Gopal Italia.

In a veiled attack on the AAP, Thakur said Gujaratis wouldn't accept such insults and respond appropriately.

“Gujarat did not accept this insult earlier it will not accept it now. Gujarat will give a befitting reply," he said.

As BJP and AAP engage in verbal sparring, an old video of Italia surfaced on Thursday in which he is purportedly heard mocking PM Modi's 100-year-old mother Hiraba Modi and using a derogatory word for PM Modi.

BJP MP and Union minister Smriti Irani said Friday that it was "absolutely unforgivable" if AAP leaders seek to abuse a 100-year-old woman who has nothing to do with politics.  

She alleged that Italia made the remarks on Arvind Kejriwal's instructions, and added that the Gujarat leader has made several other comments insulting Hindu society and temple-going women.

However, Italia claimed that the BJP is targeting him as he is from the Patidar community but Irani said he was hiding behind new excuses.

"Slurring Hindu women and religious institutions" shows that AAP would play religious and gender cards to gain political points, Irani said.