Cong distances itself from MP's reported comment on Patel stir

Congress in Gujarat today distanced itself from party MP Pravin Rashtrapal's reported comment that if the Patels wants reservation they should marry their daughters in the Dalit community.
Rashtrapal has denied making such a remark.
In a statement here, State Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said views expressed by Rashtrapal yesterday were personal and the party does not endorse them.
Speaking at a party function in Gandhinagar, the Rajya Sabha MP, a Dalit, reportedly said if others want the benefits of reservation, they should marry their daughters with Dalit men.
His remarks came at a time when the Patel community in Gujarat is demanding reservation in Goverment jobs and educational institutes under OBC category.

Rashtrapal claimed he never made such remarks and spoke only about the need for reservation system.

"I never said anything like that. That was a programme organised by Congress as part of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary celebrations. I have not made any comment about Patel community or their ongoing agitation for reservation. I just spoke about why reservation is necessary," Rashtrapal told PTI.
Meanwhile, a splinter group of PAAS (Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti organised protests at Gandhi Ashram to condemn Rashtrapal's alleged comments. In a statement, their leader Nachiket Mukhi said Congress must apologise for derogatory remarks by their MP.

The main PAAS group, which is spearheading the quota stir, said its leaders are still verifying veracity of the comments.
"It is too early to give any reaction, as we don't know what he exactly said in his address yesterday. We will first verify the facts and then take a decision (on protest)," said PAAS Ahmedabad Convener Atul Patel.