Modi twisting my words: Rahul Gandhi's retort over 'shakti' remark row

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit back at Narendra Modi over the use of the word 'shakti', accusing the prime minister of twisting his words.

Modi had slammed Gandhi over the remarks, saying that the Congress leader was demeaning women by talking about wiping out shakti.

The Congress leader clarified that by talking about shakti, he was talking about the power that has captured institutions, media, industry, and the entire constitutional structure of India while referring to the BJP.

"Modi is always trying to change the meaning of my words by twisting them in some way or the other" he said, adding that he was talking about a "power (or 'shakti') that has captured institutions, media, industry, and the entire constitutional structure of India".

"... he (PM Modi) knows I have spoken a deep truth. The power that I mentioned, the power that we are fighting... the mask of that power is Modiji. This is such a power that has captured institutions... the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax Department, the Election Commission, the media, and the entire constitutional structure of India," he posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Modi said that the word "shakti" represents every mother and daughter and that he worships them.

"On Sunday in Mumbai, there was an INDI alliance rally after the announcement of the schedule for elections. They announced their manifesto in the rally. In Mumbai's Shivaji Park, they said their fight was against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, every daughter is a form of 'Shakti'. Mothers and sisters, I worship you as 'Shakti'. I am Bharat Maa's 'pujari'," he said while addressing a rally in Telangana

"INDI alliance in its manifesto announced to finish/destroy Shakti. I accept their challenge. I will sacrifice my life for the security of mothers and sisters," he further said.

The row began when Gandhi while addressing a rally in Mumbai on 17th March spoke about fighting "shakti", referring to the opposition's challenge in taking on Modi who, he says, wins elections because of EVMs, and enforcement agencies.

Also read | 'Misogynistic, insult to women': PM Modi, BJP take on Rahul Gandhi for 'shakti' remark