Kerala ex-MP apologises for derogatory remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Joyce George, a former Member of Parliament from Kerala, who courted controversy for derogatory and vulgar remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has tendered an apology. "The comments were in bad taste. I tender an unconditional apology in case it has hurt the sentiments of anyone. I hereby withdraw the remarks," George said during an election rally at Kumily in Kerala. 

George, who had won as the CPI(M)-supported independent candidate during 2014 Parliament election from Idukki, made highly objectionable comments against the Nehru scion while addressing an election rally at Irattayar in Idukki on Monday.

Attacking the opposition Congress-led UDF and Rahul Gandhi in particular, George said Gandhi would visit only women's colleges and the girls should be "cautious" while dealing with the former Congress President. "Girls never bend down in front of him.. he is an unmarried trouble maker," he alleged.

Distancing himself from the comments, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the LDF's stand is not to personally attack Gandhi. "We will oppose him politically not personally", Vijayan told reporters in Kasaragod on Tuesday. The CPI(M) also released a similar statement distancing itself from the former MP's comments. 

The former Left independent MP's remarks came days after Gandhi had given Aikido lessons at the famed St Teresa's college in Kochi based on the request of a student. The Congress leader had visited the women's college for an interaction with students after he arrived at the state for election campaigning.

George's statement drew intense criticism from the Congress fold. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday termed the sexually coloured remarks against Gandhi as 'unfortunate and unacceptable.' A case should be registered against the former MP and he should be arrested, he said.

Incidentally, George apologised in the presence of CPI(M) polit bureau member Vrinda Karat at the campaign rally in Idukki.