The incident concerning an Indian journalist, who was assaulted and roughed-up in the US during an event of Rahul Gandhi, has affected India’s image, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has observed.
Modi said Congress indulged in “brutality” against the journalist.
He, while addressing an election rally in poll-bound Kashmir’s Doda Prime on Saturday, attacked the Congress leader over his ‘Mohabbat ki dukaan‘ concept and questioned the cruelty meted out to the journalist.
“They (Congress) claim to be running Mohabbat ki dukaan. But a journalist of our country was subjected to cruelty in the USA by Congress. A son of India was insulted in the USA. Those who claim to be champions of freedom of speech indulged in brutality,” Modi said.
He also expressed concern, saying that the incident hurt India’s prestige and image on the foreign soil.
Lamenting the grand old party further, the Prime Minister said the word “Constitution” does not suit them.
“The media is an important pillar of democracy…the way a journalist was treated by locking him in a room, is this a matter that highlights the dignity of democracy? Are you increasing the prestige of India by beating up an Indian journalist on American soil? The word Constitution does not suit your mouth,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying in the media reports.
Thew Journalist identified as Rohit Sharma was allegedly manhandled and his mobile phone was snatched by the Congress workers in Dallas,US while discharging his duty.
The incident took place just before Gandhi landed in the US for a three-day visit.
Later, Congress’ overseas in charge Sam Pitroda, denied having any information about the incident.
He, however, assured another Indian journalist in an interview that he would look into the matter.
“I’m not aware of it. If something has happened, I will look into it. I will follow it,” Pitroda said.