Cong leader courts controversy over Rahul's marriage, regrets

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Aug 07 2013 | 8:13 PM IST
AICC Secretary Shyoraj Jivan Valmiki today stirred a controversy by saying Rahul Gandhi had vowed not to marry to prevent "dynastic rule" but apologised soon for the gaffe.
Talking to reporters here, Valmiki first said that Rahul had vowed that he would not marry in order to prevent 'vanshwad' (dynastic rule).
However, when asked to repeat his statement, he refused to do so and instead apologised.
"I read it somewhere that he (Rahul) had said that he will not marry so as to prevent dynastic rule," Valmiki said.
He later apologised and said, "I may be wrong and therefore want to apologise."
The Congress leader then changed the course of the media interaction and attacked Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the 2002 riots in that state.
"Jahan tak sawaal hai uss daadhiwale ka...Vikas nahi vinaash kiya hai' (The man with beard has not developed Gujarat but has destroyed it)," he said.
Asked about the remarks of Congress Minister Narayan Rane's son Nitesh on Gujaratis, Valmiki said, "we will ask him not to make such controversial statements."
"I have taken a political stand. I have stated clearly that people living in Mumbai who feel that Gujarat is developing better than us (Maharashtra) or those who feel that Modi is developing Gujarat better than us, why don't they go there," Nitesh had said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 07 2013 | 8:13 PM IST

Next Story