BJP leaders in Andhra Pradesh are fuming over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna.
The Hindpur MLA from the TDP was speaking at the 'Dharma Porata Deeksha', a day-long fast organised by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada.
The seemingly agitated legislator repeatedly used unparliamentary language and switched to Hindi while slamming the PM in order to convey his message. He even called PM Modi a 'hijra' at one point. He also took a shot at Modi 'not taking care' of his wife and abandoning her.
“We allied with the BJP as we thought that they would assist us in overcoming problems due to bifurcation. Now. all possible ways of negotiation are over. Now, the war will begin,” he said.
Responding to the remarks, BJP floor leader in AP Assembly, Vishnu Kumar Raju, demanded an apology from Balakrishna and suggested that his mouth should be cleaned with phenyl.
“His mouth should be cleaned with phenyl. He doesn’t have the stature to make snide personal remarks against the prime minister. Balakrishna talking about Modi’s wife only shows the respect he has towards women. I doubt he had lost mental balance. If his attempt to murder case is dug out, actual Balakrishna nature will be revealed,” Vishnu Kumar Raju was quoted as saying.
Demanding that Balakrishna must tender an apology and resign from his post, the BJP leaders said that they would submit a memorandum to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan on the issue.
Speaking to reporters, BJP MLC PVN Madhav pointed out that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu remained a mute spectator even as Balakrishna was abusing Modi's mother and wife and said that it was deplorable.
Addressing a press meet in Vijayawada, party official spokesperson V Satya Murthy said, "It is not correct on the part of the TDP leadership and CM Naidu to criticise PM Modi. If the Centre had not supported AP, as claimed by the TDP in the last four years, how could the State register higher growth rate than the country and occupy the third position in the developmental index?"
The BJP leaders also threatened to register a case against the Hindpur legislator for the derogatory language that he used.
Earlier on Friday, speaking to a massive crowd in Vijayawada, Balakrishna said, "Not just people of Andhra, the whole of India is against you now. Come out, and listen to the people…You create differences between the north and the south and create fights between states - be it Krishna waters or funds distribution.”
He also took a dig at the BJP and stated that the party would not win a single seat in the state. "I am challenging you. You will not win a single seat. Telugus are not cowards. The blood of NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) flows through their veins."