Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a “tapori” (rowdy) and criticising his public conduct. Kangana Ranaut has further alleged that women feel uncomfortable around him, intensifying her remarks against the leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, according to a bite the BJP MP gave to news agency PTI.
“Uncomfortable feel hota hai (It feels uncomfortable),” Kangana Ranaut remarked while also drawing a comparison between him and his sister, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The comments have triggered strong reactions across political circles, with leaders expected to weigh in on the escalating war of words.
Kangana Ranaut slams Rahul Gandhi Speaking to the media in Parliament complex, the BJP MP said, “Hum mahilao ko unko dekhkar bohot hi zyada uncomfotable feel hota hai... ekdum jaise tapori ki tarha aate hain... aur kisi ko bhi ae tu aise karke tu-tadak karte hain... koi interview de raha ho toh unko wo hooting calls karte hain [We women feel very uncomfortable seeing him... he comes like a vagabond... and refers to anyone disrespectfully... if someone is giving an interview, he makes hooting calls].”
She added, “Rahul Gandhi himself is a shame.”
Also Read | Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Kanshi Ram
Former bureaucrats demand apology from Rahul Gandhi in open letter Kangana Ranaut's remarks came after 84 former bureaucrats, 116 veterans, and four lawyers wrote an open letter asking Rahul Gandhi to issue an apology for having tea and biscuits at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session.
The signatories, led by former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid, said that the incident of 12 March was "deeply concerning," adding that it reflected "conscious disregard for parliamentary authority".
The incident occurred on 12 March, when Rahul Gandhi, along with his colleagues, was protesting at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament and was seen sharing tea and snacks.
Gandhi's behaviour is not becoming of a LoP, says Vaid The former J&K DGP also criticised Rahul Gandhi's behaviour in Parliament, adding that it is not becoming of a Leader of the Opposition, which is a very responsible post, and indicates a "sense of entitlement and arrogance".
Speaking to ANI, Vaid said that Gandhi continues to indulge in theatrics. He sits on the steps of Parliament's entrance and sips tea with his colleagues amid sloganeering. Vaid added that according to him, the Congress MP does not understand the importance of the LoP post.
Vaid added that the former bureaucrats want the Congress MP to understand the issue and apologise to the country for everything that has happened till now. Rahul Gandhi was reportedly asked by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to maintain the dignity of the House; however, he did't, the former DGP noted, adding that he has made a "laughingstock" of himself.
The signatories want him to fulfil his role as a responsible LoP, Vaid said, adding that there should be humbleness, not arrogance and a sense of entitlement.