New Delhi: HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Thursday engaged in war of words with senior journalist Sagarika Ghose over the former's use of the word 'blasphemous' in the press conference wherein she had defended Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in DDCA controversy.

Taking to Twitter, Ghose wrote, “Smriti Irani says charges are "blasphemous"! Erm..blasphemy? As in an act of insulting God?(sic)”

To this Irani replied, “mujhse kuch kehna hai to tag me, Peeth peeche kaayar bolte hai (If you have to say something to me than tag me. Cowards talk behind back).

Irani further defended her stand stating, “the term 'blasphemy' is also used in context of those we consider 'inviolable'.”

Here's the series of their tweets:

Smriti Irani says charges are "blasphemous"! Erm..blasphemy? As in an act of insulting God? — Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) December 17, 2015

@sagarikaghose mujhse kuch kehna hai to tag me, Peeth peeche kaayar bolte hai. Have a good day. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 17, 2015

@sagarikaghose by the way the term 'blasphemy' is also used in context of those we consider 'inviolable', do let me know if I'm wrong. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 17, 2015

@smritiirani perhaps we need some Pakistan-style blasphemy laws, then? — Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) December 17, 2015

@sagarikaghose Madam it's obvious you want to engage in banter. Best if you schedule a 1 on 1 interview, will answer every question. (1/2) — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 17, 2015

@smritiirani love to! Use of words like `blasphemy' shows a talibanisation of our public discourse which to me is v dangerous — Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) December 17, 2015

@sagarikaghose didn't know you had a penchant for melodrama, nice. Beg your pardon now but productive work beckons. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 17, 2015

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had reacted on senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai's blog who is husband of Sagarika Ghose.