Congress avoids commenting on Beni's verbal attack on Mulayam

Congress Party on Wednesday distanced itself from Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma's controversial remark on Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Congress leader Jagdambika Pal said the ruling party at the Centre considers Mulayam Singh Yadav as a respected leader.

"Our party spokesperson has very clearly stated that the Congress distances itself from his comment. The Congress Party considers Mulayam Singhji as a respected leader. If the party has distanced himself from his comment, then I think there is nothing to say on the issue," he said.

The Samajwadi Party earlier in the day hit back at Beni Prasad Verma, saying the latter is insane.

Samajwadi Party leader Kamal Farooqi called him insane, and said he does not know how to behave.

"The kind of language, which Beni Prasad is continuously using, it is highly objectionable. It is for Congress to think whether such minister would continue with them or not. We are not in the habit of reciprocating the same because we believe in certain values, we don't believe in abusive. As far as Mulayam Singh Yadavji is concern, he is the most senior leader of the country," Farooqi said.

"What can be said about an insane person who does not know how to behave and what language to use. It is very surprising and unfortunate that the Congress is not acting against him," he added.

Verma on Tuesday kicked up another controversy by saying that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not even fit to sweep the Prime Minister's residence.

"Yadav wants to become Prime Minister. He should first try to get the job of a sweeper at the residence of the PM," he said at a programme in Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad district.

The Union Steel Minister's comments may sour the relations between Congress and the Samajwadi Party.