BJP national vice-president Shyam Jaju on Sunday unveiled a list of “anti-nationals” working against Narendra Modi, triggering an uproar.

“Before coming here, I read a WhatsApp message on who are against Modi. China, CIA, ISI, Pakistan, Congress, BSP, SP, CPM, AAP, Lalu, Malu, Bhalu, Kalu,” Jaju said.

The reference to Lalu, followed by the rhyming words, drew applause at a national convention conducted by an organisation called Modi for PM to strengthen its volunteer base that will be deployed to seek the re-election of the Modi government.

The metaphors of “bhalu (bear)” and “kalu (at times used to refer to people with dark complexion)” ignited controversy with the Rashtriya Janata Dal accusing the ruling party at the Centre of degrading the level of the political discourse.

“We are extremely worried about the level of the political discourse. When the chief of the party uses metaphors like ‘scorpion’ and ‘snake’ for the opponents, what can you expect from Jaju?” RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha asked.

In April, BJP chief Amit Shah, referring to the Opposition’s effort to unite against Modi, had said: “When flood comes, cats, dogs, snakes and mongooses take refuge under the banyan tree and unite.”

On Sunday, Jha said: “Jaju has to take several rebirths to understand the grammar of change effected by Lalu Prasad.”

Referring to the description of the Opposition parties as “anti-nationals”, Jha said such language indicated that the BJP was suffering from political paranoia.

“Now they have realised they are losing, so they are using such language,” Jha said.

Jaju also listed a number of “achievements” by Modi as Prime Minister. They include celebrating Holi and Diwali with army personnel deployed in high-altitude locations, gifting Shreemad Bhagavad Gita to several world leaders and taking the Japanese Prime Minister to the Ganga ghat.

Shailendra Singh, national co-convener of the group, also listed Modi’s achievements. It included an offer of land to set up a Hindu temple in the Gulf.

Before Jaju spoke, MP and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi had explained to the volunteers about the Modi government’s key schemes such as the Jan Dhan accounts, Ujjwala for giving LPG gas connection to the poor and a housing scheme.

Rohit Gangwal, the founder of Modi for PM, said the group had 12,000 active volunteers and 1.5 lakh members across India. The group was launched in 2010 and it actively participated in the campaign for the 2014 general elections.

Nearly 500 volunteers from different states attended the meeting.