New Delhi, May 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated the 'Rajiv Gandhi corrupt no. 1' jibe at the Congress, challenging the grand old party to contest the Lok Sabha elections in the former prime minister's name. In his response to PM Narendra Modi's attack, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said though the prime minister insulted his late father Rajiv Gandhi, all he had for the BJP leader was love.

"My open challenge to Congress. Fight elections in the name of the former PM associated with Bofors in: Delhi and Punjab, where innocent Sikhs were butchered in his reign. Bhopal, where he helped Warren Anderson flee after the infamous Gas Tragedy. Challenge accepted?" PM Modi tweeted sharing a video of his speech in Jharkhand. "I spoke one word about Rajiv Gandhi, and it appeared to have stung like a scorpion to them," he said in Jharkhand's Chaibasa. PM Hesitates to Use 'Chowkidar' in His Speeches: Rahul Gandhi.

PM Narendra Modi dares Congress to fight last two phases for Rajiv's honour:

Reacting to the prime minister's remarks, Rahul Gandhi said: "PM has been talking about my father since yesterday. Let him whatever he wants to about me, my mother, my father and my grandmother. I will respond to your (PM's) hate with love. I had hugged you with love in Parliament too. And this love will make you lose on May 23." Last week PM Modi at an election rally in Uttar Pradesh had commented about Rajiv Gandhi "ending his life as bhrashtachari (corrupt) number one". Mamata Banerjee Responds to Narendra Modi's 'Didn’t Return Calls' Jibe, Says She Avoided Sharing Dais With 'Expiry PM'.

"Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari no. 1 (Corrupt no. 1)," PM Modi had said, triggering an uproar in political circles. The Congress and opposition leader said the prime minister lowered the dignity of his office by making such comments about a former PM, who is no longer alive. Rahul Gandhi had replied to him with "love and a huge hug" and said he should wait for his 'karma' to catch up.

"Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won’t protect you. All my love and a huge hug. Rahul," the Congress chief had tweeted.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 06, 2019 11:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).