PM Modi launches fresh attack at Rajiv Gandhi; says ‘he used navy warship for family trip

Sidelining all the criticism over 'Bhrastachari' jibe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in the latest attack at former PM Rajiv Gandhi said that latter used navy warship for his family holiday.

Targeting former PM, at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said Rajiv Gandhi and family were sent for a vacation on board the Navy's INS Virat, contending that it had compromised national security

"INS Viraat was insulted by using it as a personal taxi. This happened when Rajiv Gandhi and his family were out for a 10-day vacation. INS Viraat was deployed for securing our maritime boundary. But it was diverted to take the Gandhi family which was out for a vacation," said the Prime Minister.

PM Modi also tweeted about the matter as well, enclosing a news story by India Today from 1988.

"Rajiv Gandhi was accompanied by his in-laws who had come from Italy. Question is whether the security of the country was not compromised by taking foreigners onboard a warship," PM Modi asked.

In 1987, aircraft carrier INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. After nearly 30 years of service, it was decommissioned in 2016.

Meanwhile, PM Modi's 'Bhrastachari' jibe drew widespread heat as the critics felt he has lowered the dignity of his office by making such derogatory comments about a former PM, who is no longer alive.

In fact, BJP's Karnataka leader, Srinivasa Prasad also condemned PM's remark and said former PM Rajiv Gandhi did not die of "corruption allegations".. "LTTE planned and assassinated Rajiv Gandhi. He did not die due to corruption allegations. Nobody believes that even I don't believe it. I have a lot of respect for Modi ji, but it was not necessary for him to speak against Rajiv Gandhi," he added."

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