'Rajiv Gandhi Lost His Life Due to Their Hatred': Ahmed Patel Hits Back at PM Modi
Ahmed Patel, one of the longest serving AICC members, said Modi's 'abuses' against Gandhi stem from his 'ultimate cowardice'.
New Delhi, May 9: The "hatred" of BJP-backed VP Singh government was responsible for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, said Congress veteran Ahmed Patel on Wednesday. His remarks came amid an ongoing tirade launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the late ex-PM -- to the extent where he described Gandhi as "bhrashtachari (corrupt) no.1".
Patel, one of the longest serving AICC members, said Modi's "abuses" against Gandhi stem from his "ultimate cowardice". He suggested that the Prime Minister's view against one of his late predecessors should not come as a surprise as a similar hatred was allegedly exhibited by the then BJP-backed government which is accused of overlooking the intel alerts ahead of his assassination. Narendra Modi Attacks Rajiv Gandhi, Says Former PM Used 'INS Viraat' for Vacations
"Who is responsible for his assassination? The BJP backed VP Singh govt refused to provide him with additional security & left him with one PSO despite credible intelligence inputs and repeated requests (sic)," Patel said on Twitter.
Here's What He Tweeted:
Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991, after he was blown by up an LTTE bomber while addressing a public meeting in Tamil Nadu.
The Congress had then blamed the VP Singh government of not providing adequate security cover to Gandhi, despite the Intelligence reportedly warning of an attack against the former PM.
In the subsequent elections, VP Singh was voted out of power as Congress swept the entire Congress belt. Narsimha Rao was elected as the next Prime Minister.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2019 10:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).