PV Anwar, an independent MLA supported by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, has stoked a controversy after he called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a “low-level citizen” and that he should undergo a “DNA test”.
Addressing an election rally in Palakkad on Tuesday, the Nilambur MLA said, “I am part of the Wayanad, which is Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. I can’t call him by the surname of Gandhi. He has turned into such a low-level citizen who does not deserve to be called by the Gandhi surname. I am not saying this. The people of India have been saying this for the last two days.”
Anwar was irked by Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. During his recent election rally in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi sought to know why Pinarayi Vijayan was exempted from being interrogated and arrested by central agencies, even though several allegations had cropped up against the Left veteran.
“Will there be members like this in the Nehru family? Can someone, who was born in the Nehru family, say that? I have high doubts about it. I am of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi’s DNA should be tested. Rahul did not have any right to grow as Jawaharlal Nehru’s grandson. Things have come to a point where we should think whether Rahul Gandhi is an agent of PM Modi,” said Anwar.
The Congress reacted sharply to Anwar’s remark. State Congress acting president MM Hasan said the party has filed a complaint against Anwar with the Election Commission.
Hasan also demanded that the police immediately file a case against Anwar who insulted the Nehru family and Rahul Gandhi with vile language.
“PV Anwar is the new avatar of Godse. Anwar’s words are deadlier than Godse’s bullets that killed Gandhiji. Anwar made a remark that should never come from the side of a representative of the people,” said Hasan.
He also alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been constantly criticising Rahul Gandhi, made PV Anwar speak against the Congress leader.
“PV Anwar works as Chief Minister’s suicide squad,” said Hasan.
Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan seemed to defend the LDF MLA, saying that Rahul Gandhi was not a person beyond criticism.
“Rahul Gandhi will get a reply for what he said. He is not a person who stands beyond criticism,” news agency PTI quoted Pinarayi Vijayan as saying.