'Defamatory' BJP has put up Rahul Gandhi 'missing' posters in Amethi, says riled Congress

The Congress on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading 'defamatory' posters of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, after placards announcing a reward for the 'missing' Gandhi scion emerged in his constituency Amethi.

"The people of Amethi consider themselves lucky and feel that their constituency is the best. The entire development of Amethi is Rahul ji's idea. This is BJP's poster. They are spreading these defamatory posters against him," Congress leader PC Chacko said.

"This is a BJP ploy: we understand it and we can face it," he added.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Majeed Memon felt that Rahul Gandhi's absence must not be taken too far.

"It is a satire, a humorous way that the people have put up these posters for searching him. In fact, Rahul is expected to be there on April 20, when the Budget Session resumes. According to me, the absence of one man from a party like the Congress should not be taken too far, like it is being taken, and his presence or absence matters least in the House as well," he said.

Earlier, posters with Rahul Gandhi's photo emerged in Amethi, announcing a reward for their 'missing' MP.

Similar posters were also seen in Bulandshahr.

Following the Congress party's dismal showing in the Delhi assembly elections in February, Rahul Gandhi had taken a 'leave of absence' from active politics to 'reflect on recent events' and the 'future course' of the party.

Later, the Congress announced that he had extended his leave.