'Rahul speaks respectfully about terrorists; calls Army Chief a goon'

New Delhi (India), March 11 (ANI): Congress president Rahul Gandhi referring to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as 'Ji' while addressing a public rally in Delhi on Monday has irked BJP leader, while his party colleagues came to his defence on Monday.
Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani asked why Rahul gives respect to terrorists while he calls the Army Chief a goon.   
"Nation is shocked Rahul Gandhi addressed a terrorist Masood Azhar with respect. Families of martyrs and people who lost their relatives in terrorist attacks want to ask him, why so much respect for a terrorist? Why he calls the Army chief a 'gunda' while respecting a terrorist?," Irani told ANI.
Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said the Congress speaks the language of ISI and Pakistan Army.
"Congress is exposed once again. They are fan of Imran Khan but hate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they speak the language of ISI and Pakistan Army and ask for the evidence from the Indian Army," said Rathore.
"This is not for the first time, they have referred terrorist Osama Bin Laden as Ji, terrorist Hafiz Saeed as Sahab. People must ask Congress president whether his hate for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed into hate for the nation," he added.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quipped that Rahul speaks only what he is told to.
"Rahul Gandhi only speaks that much which he is told to. Those who served 'biryani' to terrorists are now asking for proof," tweeted Adityanath.
However, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said a twist was being given to a comment meant to be sarcastic.
Surjewala tweeted: “2 questions to BJP & select Bhakt Media, who deliberately seek to twist the ‘Masood’ sarcasm of Rahulji-: 1 Did NSA Doval not escort & release terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandahar? 2 Did Modiji not invite Pak's rogue ISI to investigate Pathankot terror attack?”
Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed sought to downplay the issue, saying, "if he (Rahul) said 'ji', it is just use of dignified language."
He, however, said the BJP should clarify who accompanied Azhar in an aircraft to Kandahar. (ANI)