Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has strongly condemned Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his recent figurative use of the term "langda ghoda" (lame horse) for senior Congress leaders. Gandhi made the comment on a June 3 visit to Bhopal, indicating a necessity to put out of play underperforming party veterans.
Addressing journalists in his hometown of Gwalior on Thursday, Scindia—who is himself a former top Congress leader—did not mention Gandhi by name but criticized the remark as insensitive towards the disabled community.
"Those who are disabled are actually specially blessed by God. But some people are going out of their way to insult them. The level of their insensitivity is unimaginable," Scindia said.
He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to reshape societal attitudes, noting that Modi had introduced the term ‘divyangjan’ to respectfully refer to people with disabilities. "This term signifies those with divine abilities. Yet, instead of honouring this vision, some are choosing to use derogatory language," Scindia added.
The Union Minister also accused Rahul Gandhi of turning a blind eye to the development in encouraging respectful dialogue on disability. "Instead of acknowledging the shift in language ushered in by the Prime Minister, they keep mocking and belittling," he added.
The comments came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s speech at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal, where he addressed Congress workers as part of the 'Organisation Creation Campaign.' In his address, Gandhi used a horse metaphor to signal internal reforms and rejuvenation in the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit.
"There are three types of horses: the race horse, the wedding horse, and the lame horse. The race horse needs to be taken to the track, the wedding horse to the procession, and the lame one needs to be retired," Gandhi stated. "But if they begin creating troubles, they will be disciplined," he added, referring to the party's geriatric leadership.
His remarks, however, sparked immediate backlash. The Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh, a Jaipur-based advocacy organisation for disability rights, formally objected to Gandhi’s comment. The group lodged complaints with the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Chief Election Commissioner on Wednesday, urging appropriate action.
Scindia’s rebuttal highlights the political sensitivities around inclusivity and respectful language, even as internal restructuring continues to dominate Congress's agenda in key states like Madhya Pradesh.
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