UP govt distances itself from minister's controversial remarks

The Uttar Pradesh government today sought to distance itself from the controversial statements made by state minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' against senior Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders.
Speaking to reporters here, state Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma said, "One should make comments while staying within the limits of dignity. The BJP does not support any indecent words used against anyone. That is not the party's thought process."
He added that if anyone had made such comments, it was wrong.
In an election rally in the Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency two days ago, Nandi had compared SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav with Ravan, senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav with Kumbhkaran, SP chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav with Meghnaad and BSP supremo Mayawati with Surpnakha. He had also compared Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with Maarich.

Besides, Nandi had compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lord Ram and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with Hanuman.
Adityanath was present at the rally.
The issue today also figured in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, which was adjourned for the day.