Chandigarh, April 8 Former Union Minister Kumari Selja on Wednesday strongly criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his remarks against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, calling it an "unbecoming" comment and an "attack" on democratic values and political decorum.
Selja, the General Secretary of the Congress, stated that the statement was not only an insult to a senior and respected leader but also a direct affront to the spirit of Indian democracy.
She pointed out that Kharge, a prominent Dalit leader with over five decades of public life, deserves respect, and such language is highly unfortunate and condemnable.
The Congress MP from Sirsa in Haryana alleged that such remarks reflect an anti-Dalit mindset and hurt the dignity of the entire community, not just an individual.
On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said that the use of "derogatory language" against party chief Mallikarjun Kharge by the Assam chief minister was an insult to the entire Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
Sarma had earlier criticized Kharge, claiming that he was "speaking like a madman" due to old age, after the latter put the onus on central agencies to investigate the charges made against the Assam chief minister.
Selja, the General Secretary of the Congress, stated that at a time when the country is facing serious issues and the party is seeking answers from the government, leaders of the ruling BJP are resorting to irresponsible statements to divert attention.
She said that this indicates an attempt to evade real issues. She demanded that the Assam chief minister issue a public apology and refrain from using such language in the future.
Political differences are part of democracy, but personal and derogatory remarks are unacceptable, she said, asserting that the Congress will continue to stand firmly for the dignity of Dalits and democratic values.