Congress leader CP Joshi/File Image
Senior Congress leader CP Joshi has landed in further trouble over his controversial "Brahmin" remarks, with the Election Commission issuing a notice to him after the state's BJP unit submitted a written complaint against him.
"They say a Congressi can't be a Hindu, who gave them the authority to issue certificates? Have they opened a university? If anyone knows about religion then its pandits/brahmins. They are just misguiding people by such moves. Uma Bharti is a Lodhi, and she talks about Hinduism, Modi ji talks about Hinduism. It is only Brahmins who don't talk about it. The country is being misled. Religion and governance are two different things. Everyone has the right practice their religion," Joshi had said at a public gathering on Wednesday.
Joshi regetted his remarks only on Friday after Congress President Rahul Gandhi called for the party leader's apology and said the views expressed by the AICC general secretary were contrary to the morals of the Congress party.
"Respecting the ideals of the Congress and the sentiments of the party workers, I express remorse for my statement if it caused any hurt to the sentiments of any section of the society," Joshi said in a tweet.
Taking the issue to the Election Commission, BJP on Friday submitted its complaint to the poll body.
According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer Anand Kumar, Joshi has been given time till Sunday to respond to the notice.
Joshi is contesting from Nathdwara in Rajsamand district for the upcoming state Assembly polls slated for December 7.
Rebuked by his own party and facing a backlash from the BJP, even though Joshi on Friday apologised for his remarks but the BJP rejected his apology and instead demanded his expulsion from the party.
