For calling Sonia Gandhi a “vishkanya,” the Cong wants Yatnal be expelled

28-04-2023 : The Congress party has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and demanded the expulsion of BJP leader Basangouda Patil Yatnal for calling Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president, a “vishkanya” (poisonous maiden). Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala accused the BJP of losing both its mental and political balance and hurling “filth and muck” due to their frustration at facing a complete rout in the assembly elections.

Surjewala stated that the derogatory remarks made by Yatnal against Sonia Gandhi were made at the instance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who have made a profession of abusing the Nehru-Gandhi family. Surjewala also alleged that PM Modi had used filthy language in the past, calling Sonia Gandhi “Congress ki vidhwa” (widow of Congress) and even using derogatory language to describe her.

Surjewala further claimed that the remarks made by Yatnal reflect the “absolutely debased and undignified character” of the BJP and its leadership. He demanded that if PM Modi has even an iota of decency or dignity, he should immediately expel Yatnal from the BJP. Surjewala also demanded an unconditional public apology from PM Modi and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership.

Congress General Secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal also criticized the BJP’s “filthy language” against Sonia Gandhi, who he described as having led her entire life with utmost dignity and grace. He questioned whether PM Modi endorses these words and quoted a saying in Hindi that translates to “As the king, so are the subjects.”