Rajasthan: CP Joshi apologises for his ‘only brahmins know Hinduism’ statement

Rajasthan’s Congress leader CP Joshi on Friday apologised for his ‘only brahmins know Hinduism’ statement. The apology from CP Joshi comes at least an hour after Rahul Gandhi’s terse remarks.

In a statement, CP Joshi said, “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.”

Notably, in a video that surfaced online on Thursday, Joshi was heard saying that only pandits and brahmins knew about Hinduism and were learned enough to speak about it. “Does anyone know what is the caste of Uma Bharti? What is the caste of Sadhvi Ritambhara? In this country, if anyone knows about religion, it is the pandits and the brahmins,” Joshi is heard saying in the video.

Uma Bharti is a Lodhi, and she talks about Hinduism, Modi ji talks about Hinduism. Its only Brahmins who don't talk about it. The country is being misled. Religion and governance are 2 different things. Everyone has the right to practice their religion: CP Joshi, Congress https://t.co/dD3Umquyo4

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018

After learning this, Rahul Gandhi slammed CP Joshi for making casteist remarks. In a tweet in Hindi, the Gandhi scion said, “Joshi’s remarks do not reflect, and are contrary, to the ideals of the Congress party, as he urged party leaders to refrain from making such statements.”

“CP Joshi’s remark is contrary to the Congress party’s ideals. Party leaders should not give such statement that hurts any segment of the society, “he said. “While respecting the Congress party’s principles and the sentiments of party workers, I am sure Joshiji will realise his mistake. He should express regret over his remarks,” Rahul Gandhi added.

सी पी जोशी जी का बयान कांग्रेस पार्टी के आदर्शों के विपरीत है। पार्टी के नेता ऐसा कोई बयान न दें जिससे समाज के किसी भी वर्ग को दुःख पहुँचे।

कांग्रेस के सिद्धांतों, कार्यकर्ताओं की भावना का आदर करते हुए जोशीजी को जरूर गलती का अहसास होगा। उन्हें अपने बयान पर खेद प्रकट करना चाहिए।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 23, 2018

The Assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11, along with four other states.

Also Read: Rajasthan Assembly polls: BJP suspends 11 senior leaders including four ministers in state