Akhilesh Yadav joins Congress in attacking PM Narendra Modi for 'corrupt no 1' comment for Rajiv Gandhi, says remark shows 'levels people stoop to in order to cling to power'

Former UP CM and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday also joined the Congress chorus in attacking PM Narendra Modi for 'Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as corrupt number 1' comment. 

Yadav, in a tweet, said martyrs deserved respect and their families empathy despite political disagreements, adding that the comment by the Prime Minister shows how much people can stoop in order to cling to power.

"Whatever political disagreements people may have, those who are martyred deserve our respect and their families deserve our empathy. Election or not, this is basic humanity. The statement by the PM indicates levels to which people can stoop for the sake of clinging on to power," he said in a tweet.

READ | "Let Me Correct Your Knowledge About Rajiv Gandhi...," Says Shatrughan Sinha Joining Congress Leaders Disapproval Of PM Modi's 'corrupt No 1' Comment

PM Modi during his speech on May 4 while accusing the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi of harping on the acquisition of Rafale aircraft only to tarnish his image, Modi took a swipe at former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

"Your father was termed 'Mr Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1)," Modi said.

WATCH: BJP Reminds Congress Of Its Use Of Gaali Politics, Says Rahul Gandhi's 'karma Attack' Against PM Narendra Modi Is Born Out Of 'dynast Arrogance'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka launched an attack at PM Modi's comment on his father. A bevy of Congress leaders also hit out at PM Modi for the comment. 

The BJP joined the war of words to remind the party of its own history of 'gaali politics' and the sense of entitlement the party leaders feel owing to 'dynast arrogance'.

WATCH | 'Shockingly insulting': Congress leadership reprimands PM Modi's 'No. 1 Corrupt' comment against former PM Rajiv Gandhi