Modi Compares Kerala to Somalia, Miffed Chandy Says Withdraw Remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a backlash after he compared Kerala to Somalia. In a stinging letter, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy lambasted Modi, saying he has insulted the state. The CM asked Modi to show some "political decency" by withdrawing his remark.

Referring to Modi's statement, Chandy said, "This is unbecoming of a prime minister and has created a great deal of agony and protest. With great deal of regret, let me point out that they (previous PMs) never attempted anything that brought disrepute to the office of the Prime Minister like you have done."

Countering Modi's remark that the state had lagged behind in various growth indicators including health and education, Chandy said Kerala was above national average in terms of economic growth and human resource development for the past five years.

Chandy also said the state's human resource has caught the attention of the world. "Yet, you (PM) compared Kerala to Somalia that is reeling under poverty and internal strife. Is it not a shame for the prime minister to pronounce that a state like Somalia exists in the country," Chandy said.

Modi had in his speech also claimed that most of the youth in Kerala are forced to leave their home state in search of job. "The state can meet only 13% of their requirement of agricultural products. Even after 70 years of Independence, Kerala depends other states for 70% of its power requirements. Similarly, most of the youth in Kerala are forced to leave their home state in search of job," he had said.

Soon after Chandy wrote the letter, Modi is also facing a flak on Twitter.