Humour part of politics not abuses: Ravi Shankar Prasad on Aiyar's 'neech' comment on Modi

This is the second occasion where Prasad attacked the Congress after Aiyar called Modi a "neech aadmi" or "low person".

Prasad, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, said: "Humour is a part of politics but not abuses."

Immediately after Aiyar's comment, Prasad on Thursday said: "It is the feudal, arrogant thinking that only they (Congress) can rule India and no one else."

Aiyar's comment, which was later disapproved by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, came on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at Rahul during the inauguration of the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre by calling the Congress' would be President a Shiva devotee.

Modi said some parties were seen to talk more about Baba Bhole (Lord Shiva) than Babasaheb.

Reacting to Modi's jibe at Rahul, Aiyar told media: "Modi is a very cheap type of a person, he has no manners and always has a tendency to play petty politics."

Modi was quick to respond to Aiyar's comment on Thursday itself.

In a series of tweets, Modi has tried to snub Aiyar's comment. In one of his first tweets, the PM said: "Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, he said Modi is 'Neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai Mindset."

"They can call me 'Neech'- Yes, I am from the poor section of society and will spend every moment of my life to work for the poor, Dalits, Tribals and OBC communities. They can keep their language we will do our work."

"I beg to the people of India- please let them be. Let them keep calling me 'Neech' we will not respond. In our hearts we do not have this mindset and want to congratulate them for theirs. If anything- we will answer them for their mindset by our votes on 9th and 14th" Modi tweeted later.

Disapproving Aiyar's comment, Rahul tweeted: "BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said."

Aiyar, while interacting with media, said: "My mother tongue is not Hindi and I do not use any filthy words. I did not mean low born when I used the word "neech aadmi". However, if my language has caused damage to the Congress party in Gujarat, I apologise, I apologise for using a word which can be interpreted into some other meaning."

Aiyar had once earlier called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "chaiwala" or "tea-seller".