The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde for his remarks against Congress President Rahul Gandhi. KPCC, in its complaint to EC, stated that the comments offended the dignity and privacy of an individual.
“It (the statement) is clearly calculated to prejudice the minds of the gullible voters of our country on the basis of religion and caste in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. It amounts to an offence under Section 153A and Section 295A of IPC and Section 125 of the Representation of People Act,” the complaint reads.
The union minister, who is a five-time MP from Uttara Kannada, made defamatory remarks against the Congress chief during a party workers meeting in Karwar. A video of Anantkumar Hegde questioning Rahul Gandhi's religion and asking for proof of DNA of the caste he belongs to, has been shared widely.
"Look at the pitiful situation they (Congress) have brought us to. The whole world is praising our soldiers for their courage and bravery and this man (referring to Rahul Gandhi) wants proof of the damage caused in the attack (the Balakot airstrike). How did the son of a Muslim become a Brahmin named Gandhi? This 'pardesi' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) was born to a Muslim and a Christian. How does he become a Brahmin? Can he provide DNA proof?," he had said.
The comment by the minister is the latest in a series of crass remarks made by him. Earlier in January, he had called Rahul Gandhi a "hybrid specimen" who was "born to a Muslim and a Christian".
In 2016, his speech against the Muslim community had created controversy. He had also faced criticism for suggesting that the Constitution should be changed, in 2017. He later apologised in parliament for the statement.