PV Anwar, an independent legislator supported by Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, has ignited a controversy with his remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at an election rally in Palakkad, the Nilambur MLA labeled Gandhi as a “low-level citizen” who does not deserve to bear the Gandhi surname.
Anwar’s comments were prompted by Gandhi’s criticism of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a recent election rally in Kerala. Gandhi questioned why central agencies had not questioned or arrested Vijayan despite allegations against him.
Anwar expressed doubts about Gandhi’s parentage and suggested he might be an agent of Prime Minister Modi. He also questioned Gandhi’s right to claim Jawaharlal Nehru as his grandfather.
The Congress party has reacted strongly, filing a complaint against Anwar with the Election Commission and demanding police action for his insulting remarks. State Congress acting president MM Hasan accused Anwar of echoing the sentiments of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, and described his words as more deadly than Godse’s bullets.
Hasan alleged that Vijayan, who has been critical of Gandhi, instigated Anwar’s remarks. He termed Anwar as Vijayan’s “suicide squad.”
Vijayan, however, appeared to defend Anwar, stating that Gandhi was not immune to criticism. “Rahul Gandhi will get a reply for what he said. He is not a person who stands beyond criticism,” Vijayan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
