Congress today responded strongly to Rishi Kapoor's tirade against naming major assets of the country after the Gandhi family members during the party's rule, saying the veteran actor is not aware of the family's contribution towards nation-building.
"Rishi Kapoor fails to realise the contribution of the Gandhi family towards nation building," Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) chief Sanjay Nirupam told PTI.
"Some people say anything for the sake of power and due to their parochial attitude," he said, attacking the 63-year-old actor.
"I have sent him a list of airports in the country, named after several important leaders from Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj to Lal Bhadur Shastri. Saying that everything is named after the Gandhi family is not correct," Nirupam said.
"Maybe he is not aware of the pioneering work done by late Rajiv Gandhi in areas of women empowerment and panchayat raj," Nirupam, former MP, said.
In a series of tweets, Kapoor had slammed the Congress for naming national assets after Gandhi family during their rule.
The actor said the names of the prominent places should be changed after those who worked for the welfare of the country
"Change Gandhi family assets named by Congress. Bandra/Worli Sea Link to Lata Mangeshkar or JRD Tata link road. Baap ka maal samjh rakha tha? (Did they consider it family property?)
"We must name important assets of the country who have contributed to society. Har cheez Gandhi ke naam? I don't agree. Sochna log!," he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Congress workers today staged a protest
outside Kapoor's house in suburban Bandra and also pelted stones and shouted slogans against the actor to protest his tweets against the Gandhi family.
The NCP too took strong objection to Kapoor's tweets on naming major assets after the Gandhi family.
"...He seems to have forgotten his legendary father Raj Kapoor's association with former PM Indira Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi have laid down their lives for the nation so there is nothing wrong is naming assets after them," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told reporters here.
"The Kapoor brothers have amassed large fortune over the years and if Rishi Kapoor wants an asset in his father's name, the family should spend some money for the welfare of people," he added.
