Cong calls Modi "very big salesman", BJP asks it to respect

BJP and opposition members traded barbs during a debate in Lok Sabha on the President's address on Monday, with Union minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rivals to respect people's mandate and the Congress calling Modi a "very big salesman".

The ruling BJP chose Sarangi, who has hit headlines for his humble life style, to intiate the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, and his an hour-long speech was high on its praise for Modi's leadership and nationalism pitch, drawing jeers from opposition benches.

The debutant MP from Odisha wondered if those who do not believe in 'Vande Mataram' slogan have any right to live in India and asserted that "tukde-tukde" gang will not be tolerated in the country.

Criticising Modi is like hitting one's head against the Himalayas, he said and took a dig at the opposition for allegedly seeking proof of Balakot air strike, asking if people "seek proof from their mother for ...