Mallikarjun Kharge's statement on RSS childish: Pralhad Joshi

New Delhi: Slamming Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent statement against RSS, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said the Congress leader's behaviour was "childish and immature."

The minister condemned Kharge’s controversial speech in which the Congress chief allegedly described the RSS and BJP as “poisonous snakes” and called for them to be “killed”.

“Kharge was never like this. I have known him since our college days. But ever since he came under Rahul Gandhi’s companionship, he has started making cheap, inconsistent and provocative statements,” Joshi told media persons here.

Describing Kharge’s remarks as highly irresponsible, the Union Minister said such language was unbecoming of a senior politician and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. “Calling for violence and equating a national organisation like the RSS with poisonous snakes reflects the dangerous culture of the Congress party,” Joshi said.

Joshi also criticised Kharge for reportedly calling Gujaratis “illiterate”, saying it was an insult to a state that produced towering leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Joshi said Kharge’s statements showed the Congress had sunk to the “lowest level of politics” out of fear of electoral defeat.

“Unable to counter the BJP and RSS ideologically, they are spreading hatred and inciting violence. This is an unforgivable crime in a democracy,” Joshi said.