Congress MLCs flay Bal Thackerays's criticism of Sonia Gandhi

Congress MLCs today objected to the words used by Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray against Sonia Gandhi, in an interview published in the party mouthpiece Saamna.

Husain Dalwai raised the issue in the upper house, saying Thackeray has used "demeaning" language and "below the belt" comments against Gandhi.

"Gandhi is the leader of one of the biggest parties in the country. She is chairman of UPA and Forbes magazine has ranked her 10th among the most influential personalities in the world," Dalwai said.

Gandhi's insult is the insult of all women and has to be condemned, he said.

Congress MLC and MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre said Thackeray’s remarks about the Congress president have borne out of bias.

"The party has won assembly and Lok Sabha polls in the state under her leadership and therefore she is being targeted," he said.

After the strong words from Congress and NCP MLCs, Sena-BJP members tried to disrupt the proceedings of the house. Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh directed home minister RR Patil to take appropriate action in the matter.