The Congress has demanded an unconditional apology from Mr. Gadkari for comparing the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of Swami Vivekananda with that of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. At an awards function here on Sunday he had that while Swami Vivekananda used his intelligence to further the cause of nation-building and universal brotherhood, the underworld don had used it to become a dreaded criminal.
The Congress has slammed Mr. Gadkari for his remarks and said that he should apologise, failing which it will launch a nationwide protest against him . “This shows Mr. Gadkari is an agent of the RSS and speaks the Sangh’s language. It also shows that there is a strong link between the RSS and Islamic fundamentalists,” AICC general Secretary and the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Digvijay Singh, said. Congress workers even staged protests.
Leader of the Opposition in the State, Ajay Singh, and Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Kantilal Bhuria also slammed Mr. Gadkari for his “derogatory and offensive remarks.” “[Mr.] Gadkari has insulted Swami Vivekananda,” Mr. Ajay Singh said.
BJP leaders defended Mr. Gadkari and said his remarks were taken out of context. State Industries and Commerce Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said Mr. Gadkari was merely using the example to point out what one could do with intelligence.