Courting Controversy : Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge Remains Unrepentent On His Dog Jibe ; Shocked BJP Demands Apology

Picture : Twitter/ ANI

A huge row erupted in parliament today as the ruling BJP demanded an apology from the Congress over controversial comments by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge made the comments yesterday while hitting back at the BJP for mocking Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra as “Bharat todo (Divide India)’.

At a rally in Rajasthan’s Alwar, the Congress president said the Grand Old Party “won independence for the country’, and its leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives.

“Has even your dog at home died for the country? Still, they (BJP) claim to be patriots and if we say something we are termed as deshdrohi (anti-nationals).” Kharge said.

In the House today, Kharge said, “What I said during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan’s Alwar was outside the House. What I said was politically outside the House, not inside. There is no need to discuss that here. Secondly, I can still say that they had no role in the freedom struggle.”

Unfazed Kahrge then went on saying, If I repeat what I said outside, it’ll get difficult for them. ‘Maafi maangne waale log’ are asking people who fought the freedom struggle to apologise…I said Indira Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed themselves. Who among you gave your life for unity of this country?

Reacting to Kharge comments, Piyush Goyal quoted by ANI said, After independence, Mahatma Gandhi said that Congress should be disbanded. Kharge ji is living example of that and is showing the nation that what Gandhi ji said was true and he’s a national president who doesn’t know to speak. Unless he apologises,he has no right to be here.

Goyal , leader of House In Rajya Sabha said , Yesterday, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge gave an indecent speech in Alwar. The language used is unfortunate. I condemn the manner in which he used indecent language, said baseless things & attempted to present lies before nation. I demand apology from him.

I can’t believe that Cong president Mallikarjun Kharge could stoop so low and use such objectionable remarks. He should understand his responsibilities as a leader of a political party. We’re not enemies,we’re rivals. It’s distasteful, unfortunate and uncalled for, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told ANI oputside parliament.