Achuthanandan attacks Rajiv Gandhi to ruffle Congress feathers Alappuzha

After his "inadvertent" comment against Rajiv Gandhi enraged Congress legislators in the state Assembly, Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan today launched a scathing attack on the late prime minister.

Speaking after inaugurating CPI-M local committee office at Thamarakkulam in the district, the veteran Marxist leader said Rajiv Gandhi was "no better than Sanjay Gandhi."

The Chief Minister alleged that Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for allowing former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson flee the country after the Bhopal Gas tragedy.

Achuthanandan said Congress had stalled proceedings in the Assembly yesterday for his "inadvertently" mentioning of the name of Rajiv Gandhi in place of Sanjay Gandhi.

"But Rajiv Gandhi was no better than Sanjay," he alleged.

The remark on Rajiv, which he later clarified as a "slip of the tongue", led to Opposition Congress-led UDF stalling proceedings of the House yesterday.

Achuthanandan had made the comment while defending his party's position against the recent High Court verdict banning roadside public meetings.

With the Opposition making a hue and cry, Achuthanandan immediately corrected himself saying it was Sanjay whom he meant. However, Congressmen continued their protest leading to early adjournment of the House.