Opposition leaders target PM Modi over Kotler Presidential Award, Smriti Irani gives reply

 However, the BJP leaders and Union Ministers appreciated the PM for his achievement.

Congratulating Modi over receiving the award, Gandhi attacked the PM and said: "I want to congratulate our PM, on winning the world famous “Kotler Presidential Award”! In fact it's so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before & is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company. Event Partners: Patanjali & Republic TV :)."

Smriti Irani soon took a dig at Gandhi over the Bharat Ratna and tweeted: "Rich !!! Coming from a person whose illustrious family decided to confer the ‘Bharat Ratna’ on themselves," Smriti said.

Left leader Sitaram Yechury also joined Gandhi in targeting Modi and tweeted: "My personal congratulations to Narendra Modi for winning the world's 'first-ever' 'very confidential award'. No one else could have won this award."

BJP leaders appreciate:

Despite opposition criticisms, senior Union Ministers and BJP leaders came out in congratulating the PM over the award.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP leader, tweeted: "Heartiest congratulations to our visionary Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji on being awarded the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award for his phenomenal leadership and selfless service to the Nation. A matter of great pride for every Indian. #NewIndia @PMOIndia."

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal posted: "Congratulations to PM @NarendraModi for being awarded the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, recognising the success of various reforms undertaken under his leadership such as Digital India, Swachh Bharat, and Make in India initiative."

Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted: "Many congratulations to PM @narendramodi ji for being felicitated by Philip Kotler Presidential Award. It is an acknowledgement of his selfless service & outstanding contribution to India's holistic development. This is a momentous achievement, and a proud day for all Indians!"