Fadnavis’ ‘rejected maaal’ remark shows poor understanding of parliamentary democracy: Congress

Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant has accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of displaying "intellectual bankruptcy" over his remarks against Rahul Gandhi.

Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant said on Friday that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' ''rejected maal'' remark against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reflected a poor understanding of parliamentary democracy.

Fadnavis on Wednesday had dubbed Gandhi a ''rejected maal'' amid a political slugfest over the Congress leader's controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a statement, Sawant alleged that by making such remarks against Gandhi, Fadnavis had displayed ''intellectual bankruptcy'' regarding the parliamentary democratic system.

The Congress spokesperson also accused leaders of the BJP and RSS of spreading hatred and social divisions, claiming that they were attempting to disturb the atmosphere of social harmony in Maharashtra, shaped by the legacy of social reformers Jyotirao Phule, Shahu Maharaj and B R Ambedkar.

Sawant further said the people should remain alert against ''divisive politics'' and protect the state's progressive and inclusive traditions.

''One rotten mango can spoil the whole lot. Here, there is a pile of rotten mangoes. These are the same people trying to damage the social harmony in the state,'' he alleged.

Sawant said in the last Lok Sabha elections in the state, the opposition bloc ''Maha Vikas Aghadi under Rahul Gandhi's leadership'' won 31 seats while the BJP couldn't reach double digits. ''So who is the actual rejected maal,'' he asked.