Kerala: LDF MLA P V Anwar Booked For 'Fourth-Grade Citizen' Remark On Rahul Gandhi

PV Anwar reportedly made a controversial statement that Rahul Gandhi was a fourth-grade citizen and implied that his DNA should be examined.

The magisterial court issued a directive based on a complaint by advocate Baiju Noel Rosario

Source : File Photo

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) MLA PV Anwar was charged under various sections, including penal offence for promoting enmity between different groups, for his remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Anwar reportedly made a controversial statement that Rahul Gandhi was a fourth-grade citizen and implied that his DNA should be examined.

While speaking at an election gathering in Palakkad district of Kerala on April 22, Anwar remarked that the Congress leader shouldn't be referred to by the surname of Gandhi. Subsequently, a case was filed against the LDF MLA at Nattukal police station on April 26, as directed by a magisterial court, based on the FIR.

Following this, Anwar was booked for the offences under section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of the IPC and section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation of People Act, as per a report on PTI.

Advocate Baiju Noel Rosario's complaint led to the magisterial court's directive. Anwar's comments regarding Gandhi arose following the Congress leader's question into why Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had not been questioned or arrested by central agencies despite various allegations against him.

Vijayan later justified the LDF MLA's remarks, stating that the Congress leader was not someone beyond criticism.

The statement of Anwar created a war of words ahead of Lok Sabha Elections in Kerala. After the comment, the Congress said Anwar's remark was an insult to Rajiv Gandhi who sacrificed his life for the nation. He also called the statement defamatory and said CM Vijayan should clarify the party's view.

Meanwhile, Kerala voted for Lok Sabha Elections on Friday (April 27) and recorded 70.35 percent voter turnout on Friday evening. 

In Lok Sabha polls 2019, Kerala recorded 77.84% voter turnout with UDF sweeping the elections by securing 19 of 20 seats.