Slamming Kerala chief minister V.S. Achutanandan for his “tongue-in-cheek” remarks against AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, the Congress on Monday said, the CM has insulted the youth of the country.
“Such type of comments are insult to the youth community of India. People who are about to become history in few days are insulting the youth of the nation through such comments,” party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters in New Delhi.
In Kerala, PCC president Ramesh Chennithala said “Achuthanandan has lowered his stock himself by trying to ridicule Rahul Gandhi, who is a source of inspiration for millions in the country,” Kerala in a statement here.
“People of India know the political legacy, ideals and background of Rahul Gandhi. It is quite unbecoming of a person holding a high position to run down a widely respected leader like Rahul by using intemperate language,” he said.
Congress leader Anil Shastri, camping in Kerala, said, “I expect Achuthanandan to use the language befitting his age of 87 years and his position as Chief Minister of Kerala.”
Instead of making intemperate comments, Mr Achuthanandan should reply to charges levelled against the LDF Government by Gandhi, particularly those relating to unemployment, he said.
“Achuthanandan should now start preparing to pack his bags for a relaxed retired life after May 13,” Mr Shastry said.
“Mr Achuthananadan had flayed Mr Gandhi for his jibe at the CPI(M) stalwart on his age,” he added.
“Rahul Gandhi is an Amul baby. He has come to Kerala to campaign for Amul babies,” Mr Achuthanandan had said on Sunday at election rallies in Palakkad.
Taking a dig at 87-year-old Mr Achutanandan, Mr Gandhi (40), projected as the youth face of the Congress part, had said at a campaign meeting in the state on Saturday that if the LDF was re-elected in the state, Kerala would have a 93-year-old as chief minister in five years time.