Giriraj's barb against Sonia: HT readers divided on what action should be taken

Hindustan Times readers on Wednesday seemed divided over what action to take against BJP leader Giriraj Singh for his racist remarks against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, according to an online poll.

Hindustan Times readers on Wednesday seemed divided over what action to take against BJP leader Giriraj Singh for his racist remarks against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, according to an online poll.

On the question, "What action should the BJP take against Giriraj Singh for his offensive comment against Sonia Gandhi?" a total of 2,926 voted till 10.30pm. 37% (1,084) were of the opinion that BJP needn't take any action against Singh. 33% (959) votes, however, were in favour of sacking the leader who has been in trouble for foot-in-mouth moments in the past as well.

27% (804) voters were of the opinion that BJP should ask him to apologise while 3% (79) voted they had no opinion on the issue.

Singh, who is the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises, sparked off a major row after questioning whether the Congress would have accepted Sonia Gandhi as its chief if the colour of her skin had not been white. "If Rajiv Gandhi had married some Nigerian lady, if she wasn't white, would the Congress party have given her its leadership?"

In other remarks aired by TV channels, Singh could be seen poking fun at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. As a row erupted, Singh said the remark was "informal" and "off the record". He also offered regrets "if the comment hurt Sonia and Rahul."