Congress seeks Anurag Thakur’s apology, burns his effigy in Shimla

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 1
The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) here today held a protest against former Union minister and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur for making derogatory remarks against the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, outside the DC’s office in Shimla and demanded an apology from him.
The party workers burnt an effigy of the BJP leader. Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan told the media that the way Anurag Thakur had disrespected Rahul Gandhi inside Parliament was highly condemnable.
State NSUI president Chhatar Singh lambasted Thakur for his remarks against Rahul Gandhi. “The BJP’s attempt to silence Rahul Gandhi has failed and it is also disturbed by Gandhi speaking for the poor, backward classes and dalits both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.
Criticising Anurag Thakur, state Mahila Congress president Zainab Chandel said he had not only disrespected Rahul Gandhi, but also freedom fighters. He should apologise to Rahul Gandhi and to the entire country, she said.

‘BJP rattled by Rahul Gandhi’s rising popularity’

HPCC general secretary Rajneesh Kimta said the BJP leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central Government were completely rattled by the growing popularity of Rahul Gandhi. The BJP is making a concerted effort to silence Gandhi’s voice in Parliament through a well-thought out strategy, he added.
Kimta, in a press statement, said Thakur’s indecent language towards Rahul Gandhi reflected his problematic mindset.
By insulting Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament, Thakur had also disrespected the entire opposition, which was unacceptable, Kimta said.
He also expressed surprise at PM Modi’s tweet, in which Modi praised Anurag Thakur.