Remarks on Mahatma: Cong demands apology from Maya

Congress on Wednesday asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to take back her remarks against Mahatma Gandhi and demanded an immediate apology while advising her to "keep control on her speech."

"Mayawati's statement terming Mahatma Gandhi as 'naatakbaaz' (fake) is very unfortunate and has hurt sentiments of millions who consider the Mahatma as an ideal. She should take back her irresponsible statement and seek apology immediately," party spokesman Manish Tewari told media persons in New Delhi.

Mayawati had allegedly described Mahatma Gandhi as a "naatakbaaz" a few days back. Tewari advised the UP Chief Minister to "keep control on her speech and the words she uses" while making statements on people like Mahatma Gandhi whose philosophy inspired millions not only in India but all over the world.

The spokesman also attacked Mayawati for her statements decrying All India Congress Committee General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's visit to Dalit houses in the past. The controversy comes in the backdrop of the decision of UP Congress to celebrate Rahul Gandhi's birthday as Samrasta Diwas (harmony day) in the state where the party is posing a direct challenge, following its impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections, to the Bahujan Samaj Party.