Janardhan Poojary challenges Narendra Modi to contest from Mangalore

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Mar 10: Former union minister and now Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Mangalore Janardhan Poojary on Monday March 10 launched a verbal tirade against BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and once again demanded to know his marital status.

Poojary also threw an open challenge at Modi to contest against him from Mangalore constituency.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, a day after winning the Congress primary, Poojary said, "Narendra Modi has forgotten about his 'pati dharma' and has failed to answer questions about the whereabouts of his wife. Where is she? Is he married at all? He needs to answer these questions.

"About six months ago I had questioned Modi about his marital status - whether he was married or divorces. When he came to Nehru Maidan (in February) he did not answer these questions," he added.

"I challenge Modi to come and contest from Mangalore constituency instead of troubling Murli Manohar Joshi (over Varanasi seat). We will defeat him on this single issue of his marital status," Poojary said.

"Modi's wife's name is Jashodaben. She is a retired school teacher, and at the age of 17 she got married to Modi. But now Modi has deserted her. What could be her plight...how she must be suffering now... When the media questioned her she never showed any anger or grudge towards Modi. She is like Sita," he said.

"Our culture says 'Mathr Devo Bhava' which means a woman is equal to god. Why is BJP silent on Modi's marital status? If a person cannot look after his wife, how can he protect the nation?" Poojary questioned.

He reiterated, "If Modi has guts, let him come to the coastal districts and contest the election. People will surely give him a good answer."

When a reporter asked AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi's 'love life', he termed it a 'million dollar question' and said, "Rahul Gandhi is unmarried. These days who is not in love? I have watched Ramya be in love with different men on screen (in films). Even she is unmarried. More than that I do not know."

Asked whether his barrage against Modi was not a personal attack, Poojary replied, "Knowing anyone's marital status is a legal act, and not a personal attack. When candidates contest they should reveal their marital status and assets to the election commissioner. In the parliament too it should be mentioned."

When a reporter asked why he was so bothered about Modi's marital status when his reported wife (Jashodaben) herself has not taken any action, Poojary said, "She is the daughter of India, a daughter of god."

Commenting on the Congress primary which he won, Poojary said, "It is not the victory of Janardhan Poojary but the victory of the party. Everyone in the party will work unitedly. We should be good and cordial towards everyone and never harbour hatredness. I have never done wrong to anyone, though sometimes I have raised my voice."

On the controversial Yettinahole project, he said, "Several foundation stones are laid in this country. Foundation stone does not matter. I will never allow this project to go on."

Minister Abhaychandra Jain, Ibrahim Kodijal, Vijaykumar Shetty and others were present.