Amid BJP vs Congress Over Araku Coffee, A Thank You Note For PM From Ally Naidu

bjp vs congress on x over pm narendra modi's mention of araku coffee in mann ki baat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioning Araku coffee in his "Mann ki Baat" radio programme led to an exchange between the BJP and the Congress on Sunday. In his first Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast after assuming office for a third term, PM Modi praised the "flavour and significance" of Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh as he recalled sharing a moment over the coffee with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The Prime Minister also posted two pictures of him and Naidu enjoying a cup of the coffee in the port city of Visakhapatnam in 2016.

"There are so many products from India that are in great demand across the world and when we see a local product from India going global, it is natural to feel proud. One such product is Araku coffee. Araku coffee is grown in large quantities in Alluri Sita Rama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its rich flavour and aroma," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the 111th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Reacting to PM Modi's remark, the Congress said that the BJP leader was taking credit for the coffee brand.

In a post on X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the Prime Minister gave the impression that he had invented the Araku coffee brand.

"As Minister of State of Commerce, I had been privileged to launch the brand in Araku Valley on December 21, 2007. I had been back there five years later as Union Minister of Rural Development," he said.

The Congress leader's post drew a sharp reaction from the BJP.

Calling Jairam Ramesh a "troll master," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that Congress leader was "weeping" instead of being proud of PM mentioning a unique local product. "The third successive defeat has clearly hit hard," he said.

Araku Valley is located in Paderu sub-division of the southern state's Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu shared a thank you note for PM Modi for endorsing a "truly Made in AP (Andhra Pradesh) product".

"I look forward to enjoying another cup with you," Naidu wrote on X.

In his monthly Radio programme, Modi said that he has been an admirer of Araku coffee and that its cultivation is closely linked to tribal empowerment.

In the latest episode of his radio address, PM Modi said that people expressed their unwavering faith in the country's Constitution and democratic process in the world's biggest polls in which more than 65 crore voters exercised their franchise.

He also spoke on a variety of subjects, including the bravery of Santhali tribe and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign.

The Prime Minister also mentioned about Karthumbi umbrellas made by tribal women of Kerala. These colourful umbrellas were strikingly splendid and its demand is rising across the country, he said.