Political campaign for Bihar Assembly polls on Monday turned personal with Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav attacking the Gandhi-Nehru family and saying that Rahul Gandhi should be thrown into the Ganges. His comments drew strong reaction from the Congress.
With the Congress accusing Mr. Yadav of losing political balance and demanding strong action from the Election Commission, the JD(U) leader denied making the remark. “I never said that Rahul Gandhi be thrown away in the Ganges.”
Addressing an meeting in here, Mr. Yadav said:
“These people with the symbol of hand (meaning the Congress)... this country and this family, your family has also got fifty years (to govern).
“Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi. Right now a new boy (babua) has come. He does like this,” Mr. Yadav said, imitating Mr. Gandhi's style of pulling up his sleeves while making public speeches.
Stepping up his attack on Mr. Gandhi, he said, “What do you know? Somebody wrote on the paper and gave it to you and you read it out... You should have been picked up and thrown away in the Ganges. But the people are sick...this country is unfortunate.”
When the Congress reacted, he backtracked saying, “You can't expect such a remark against any party leader from a matured politician like me.”
Hitting back at Mr. Yadav, the Congress claimed he was panicky as huge crowds were turning up for Mr. Gandhi's rallies in Bihar.
