Sonia virtually disapproves of Rita's remarks

Virtually disapproving of UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi's remarks, Cong president Sonia Gandhi today described the political incidents in Uttar Pradesh as "very unfortunate". Gandhi has expressed "deep pain and anguish" over what has happened in UP, AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi quoted her as saying. Text of Rita Bahuguna's speech | Listen to podcast

Virtually disapproving of UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi's remarks, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday described the political incidents in Uttar Pradesh as "very unfortunate".

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Gandhi has expressed "deep pain and anguish" over what has happened in UP, AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi quoted her as saying.

Dwivdei told reporters that the party regrets the personal elements in reference to Chief Minister Mayawati in Joshi's remarks.

He said the Congress holds all women in the highest esteem and does not believe in crossing the limits of sobriety even in most provocative circumstances.

Dwivedi said atrocities against women, especially those belonging to weaker sections, need to be addressed effectively by the UP government without delay.

On the incident of arson at the residence of Joshi in Lucknow, Dwivedi said, "the credibility and fairness of the Mayawati regime would also be on test on the way it deals with arsonists".

Dwivedi said Congress will seek an explanation from Joshi after she comes out of jail. "We will see what can be done after that," he said when asked if she will be asked to step down as PCC chief.

Party sources said Gandhi has asked for a CD of the statement of Joshi to see what exactly had been said on Mayawati.