"Unfortunate": Rahul Gandhi Criticises Kamal Nath's 'Item' Comment Against BJP Leader; Former CM Says "Have Clarified"

Rahul Gandhi said that it is unfortunate and he personally doesn't appreciate the type of language Kamal Nath used

Photo: Rahul Gandhi (Getty Images), Kamal Nath (AFP)

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has found himself in a political slugfest as Congress former president Rahul Gandhi became the first leader of the party to openly criticise his party colleague Kamal Nath’s comment against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Imarti Devi. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi said that it is unfortunate and he personally doesn't appreciate the type of language Kamal Nath used. News agency ANI quoted the former Congress chief saying as, "Kamal Nath ji is from my party but personally, I don't like the type of language that he used...I don't appreciate it, regardless of who he is. It is unfortunate."

Reacting to Gandhi's comments, Kamal Nath later said that it his Rahul's opinion and he has already clarified the context in which he made the statement. "It is Rahul Gandhi's opinion. I have already clarified the context in which I made that statement... Why should I apologise when I did not intend to insult anyone? If anyone felt insulted, I have already expressed regret," former MP CM Kamal Nath said.

Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief on Monday apologised for his objectionable remarks to Imarti Devi saying, If somebody is hurt by my item remark, I apologise." His apology came after a massive political outrage erupted after a video of Kamal Nath calling 'item' to former woman colleague and Madhya Pradesh minister Imarti Devi emerged on social media. Kamal Nath was campaigning for by-polls scheduled for November 3 in 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly seats when he made the remarks. Addressing a poll meeting in Dabra, where the Congress is up against Imarti Devi of BJP, Kamal Nath said his party candidate was a simple person, unlike his opponent who is an 'item'. Fumed with outrage the BJP immediately lodged complaint against the former CM with the Election Commission for his derogatory remarks and demanded to ban Kamal Nath for campaigning.