Congress files plaint against Anantkumar Hegde

The Karnataka Congress on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to initiate legal action against firebrand Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde for his statements against AICC president Rahul Gandhi.

In a 2-page complaint, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that Hegde’s statement not only offended “the dignity and privacy of an individual but also incites the general public regarding the birth of Rahul Gandhi and his family.”

The Congress has alleged that during a speech in Karwar, Hegde said: “He (Rahul) was born out of Muslim father and Christian mother. How can he claim himself to be a Brahmin? Can he give proof on being a Brahmin?” The Congress has also alleged that Hegde, in his speech, raised questions on Rahul’s parentage.

Hegde’s speech amounts to offence under IPC Sections 153A and 295A and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, Rao stated in his complaint.