Jaitley: For Cong, surname is political brand

New Delhi, November 27

Coming down heavily on the Congress for considering “surname as a political brand”, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the BJP would “gladly accept” the challenge of 2019 poll, if the Congress wanted it to be between Modi, the son of lesser-known parents, and someone who is known for his parentage.

Days after some Congress leaders stoked a row by naming family members of Modi, Jaitley said in a dynastic party like the Congress, talent and merit has no space and the crowd around the family is the cadre. In a Facebook post —“What was the name of Sardar Patel’s father”, he said: “If the Congress wants the 2019 polls to be between Modi, a son of lesser-known parents, and someone who is known only for his parentage rather than competence, the BJP would accept the challenge.”  — TNS