The war-of-words between the BJP and the Congress about their leaders continued today. Stung by the Congress’ reference to the Prime Minister’s age, the BJP hammered the issue of Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin again. BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan said in a statement: ‘‘The comment (that of Congress spokesperson Jaipal Reddy) is not only highly objectionable, but also reflects the uncivilised and perverse culture of the Congress. Indian culture respects its elders because of their age, wisdom, experience and contribution to the nation.’’Having said this, Mahajan sought to taunt the Congress by stating: ‘‘It seems that the Congress has not only imposed an inexperienced later of a foreign origin, who has no contribution towards the nation worth mentioning, but also discarded the culture of India.’’In response, Reddy said: ‘‘We do respect elderly people. But in Indian tradition senior people after a certain age take sanyas. I would like to remind BJP leader Pramod Mahajan of this important part of India’s glorious tradition.’’
