Hyderabad: Telangana Congress leader and former MLA Jaggareddy has strongly criticized Union Minister Bandi Sanjay over his remarks regarding the caste and religion of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
Addressing the media at Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, Jaggareddy stated that Rahul Gandhi belongs to a Brahmin family and follows Hinduism. He emphasized that the Gandhi family distanced itself from caste and religion after India’s independence and never used them for political purposes.
Questions Bandi Sanjay’s Knowledge of History
Jaggareddy questioned whether Bandi Sanjay made his statements knowingly or out of ignorance, asserting that there is a lack of understanding regarding the Gandhi family’s background. He reiterated that the Nehru-Gandhi family has always functioned beyond caste and religious lines.
Drawing a parallel, he cited his own example, stating, “I am a Reddy, and my wife is from the Goud community. After marriage, she adopted my surname as per Hindu traditions, where a wife takes her husband’s caste.” He further pointed out that Rajiv Gandhi was a Brahmin, making Sonia Gandhi part of the Brahmin community after marriage.
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Jaggareddy also noted that Motilal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi wore sacred threads, and clarified that Indira Gandhi’s husband, Feroze Gandhi, slightly modified his surname but remained part of the Gandhi family lineage.
Warns Against Further Remarks
Jaggareddy cautioned that any further comments by Bandi Sanjay on Rahul Gandhi’s caste and religion would undermine his own credibility. He urged BJP leaders to verify historical facts before making allegations, reaffirming that the Nehru-Gandhi family has never played caste or religious politics.