Pune: Former Union minister and BJP member Anurag Thakur on Saturday condemned Congress for circulating an AI-generated video depicting a fictional conversation between PM Narendra Modi and his late mother to criticise central policies, saying it reflected the party’s “ill-mentality” and that the people of India would not take kindly to such disrespectful political tactics.“People of Bihar will not tolerate such behaviour. They (Congress) will pay the price in the upcoming elections for insulting the PM’s late mother,” Thakur said during his visit to the city to participate in a bicycle rally organised by BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Prime Minister.Interacting with the media after the cycle rally, Thakur slammed Congress and RJD over the AI-generated video posted on social media by Bihar Congress. “A mother holds the most revered place in anyone’s life. Yet, Congress and RJD have stooped to such depths that they’re using offensive language against the late mother of the PM. This reflects a deeply negative mindset. Is it really necessary for any political party to fall to such levels just to stay relevant? Should politics ever justify insulting someone’s mother?” he asked.Earlier this month, PM Modi had accused Congress and RJD of disrespecting his late mother during their joint campaign in Bihar. Now, following the release of the AI-generated video by the Bihar Congress, BJP has once again condemned the opposition, calling the video an insult to women and Indian values.Thakur said, “Earlier also they used foul language against the PM’s mother, but instead of apologising, they repeated the mistake. The people of Bihar and the whole country will not forgive them. They will be trounced in the upcoming polls.”The BJP politician criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his absence at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan. Thakur said, “Whether it’s the Parliament session, Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort or the VP’s oath-taking ceremony, he (Rahul Gandhi) has been consistently absent. When duty calls in his official capacity, he chooses to stay away, yet he’s quick to lead the charge when it comes to opposing the nation.““For 10 years, the people of India didn’t even consider him fit to be the Leader of the Opposition. Now, in his third attempt, he has somehow secured the position, but instead of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with the role, he seems more focused on opposing Bharat itself,” the BJP leader added.Thakur defends India-Pak Asia Cup match amid oppn outcryAs some opposition parties opposed the upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup on Sunday, the former Union sports minister Anurag Thakur defended the stance of going ahead with the tie.“When it comes to multinational tournaments organised by ACC or ICC, it becomes mandatory for teams to play all the matches. If they do not comply, they will be out of the tournament, and the opposite team will get the points. Considering the format of the multinational tournaments, the team will have to play,” Thakur said in Pune on Saturday.“As far as bilateral series are considered, India has not been playing against Pakistan for the past several years. We have a clear stand that till Pakistan does not stop sponsoring terrorism, there will not be any bilateral series with that country,” he added.
