After several reports suggested that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs have received mangoes from the Pakistan embassy, the BJP on Wednesday took potshots at the Congress scion saying that he doesn’t like the UP mangoes, but seems to be excited about the mangoes from Pakistan.
Union minister Giriraj Singh went to the extent of accusing the Congress leader of having “napak” ties with Pakistan.
“Some time ago Rahul Gandhi said that he doesn’t like mangoes from Uttar Pradesh. Pakistan Embassy has sent mangoes to Rahul Gandhi now. He should tell what other things he likes. Rahul Gandhi batayen kya Modi ko hatane ka koi naya mangne gaye hain Pakistan se. Pakistan se inke napak rishte hain,” said Singh.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur also slammed the Opposition leaders over the matter, saying they are receiving mangoes from the place their heart lies.
“They are receiving mangoes from the place their heart lies … He (Rahul) doesn’t like the mangoes of UP, but he seems excited about the mangoes from Pakistan,” said Thakur.
BJP’s Amit Malviya listed the names of seven Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Kapil Sibal and Shashi Tharoor who received cartons of mangoes, saying some people can also be identified by who sends them the mangoes.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath had recently sent high-quality mangoes to PM Modi, BJP leaders and some CMs, but not to non-BJP CMs.
“Leaders of other parties don’t like UP’s mangoes,” a senior official had then said.
Mangoes have traditionally served as a diplomatic tool. Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sending mangoes to PM Modi nearly every year since he took office.
She has also sent mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the past.
Records from the Ministry of External Affairs indicate that India used this form of diplomacy with China as well during the 1950s, prior to the Indo-China War.
With inputs from agencies
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