Anil Vij, a Haryana Minister kicked up a controversy on Saturday as he said that since Gandhi came to be associated with Khadi, the venture has only tanked and is not able to stand on its own.
He was harsh in his criticism of the man who is seen as the sole driving force for helping India get independence from the British rule.
Gandhi’s name is such that since he started getting printed on Indian currency, its value has only fallen.Anil Vij
Vij was also full of praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying it’s good he replaced Gandhi on the Khadhi calendars and diaries given that “he’s a bigger brand name.”
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav was quick to criticise Vij’s statements, calling him “desh ka nalayak beta” and said it was unfortunate for the country.
Anil Vij retracted his statement, saying it was his personal opinion and was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Ministers React
Other ministers from the BJP and the Opposition however, have responded to the comment made by Vij.
BJP strongly condemns the statement of Anil Vij. It is his personal remark and not the party’s stand. Mahatma Gandhi is our icon.Shrikant Sharma, BJP
One can only expect such kind of objectionable and nonsensical statements from the BJP’s leaders and ministers.RS Surjewala, Congress
It is his personal opinion and has nothing to do with the party.Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana CM
Family Reacts
The way corrupt politicians use money for ill-practices, it will be good if Bapu is removed from the notes.Tushar Gandhi, Great-Grandson of Gandhi
(With inputs from ANI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)