Jaipur, November 23: With two weeks remaining for the Rajasthan Assembly elections, the Congress campaign has taken a seemingly casteist undertone. Senior Congress leader CP Joshi attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asking them as to what authority did they hold to issue certificates of Hinduism. He also raked up the issue of Brahmins and included Uma Bharti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech.

Soon after the statement, the Congress released the full video in defence of CP Joshi. The party said that Joshi didn’t attack any 'jaati' and in the new video Joshi can be heard questioning who is BJP give a certificate.

Addressing an electoral rally in Nathdwara on Wednesday, Joshi questioned BJP knowledge of Hindu religion. He said, “They say a Congressi can't be a Hindu, who gave them the authority to issue certificates? Have they opened a university?” Joshi even claimed that the only people who have the knowledge of Hinduism are pandits or Brahmins. He said, “If anyone knows about religion then its pandits/Brahmins.” Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018: BJP Expels 11 Rebels From Party For Six Years

Raking up the issue of caste on politics, the Congress leader stated the be it Uma Bharti or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all talk about Hinduism, but the its only Brahmins who don't talk about it. He was of the opinion that the country is being misled. Joshi said, “Uma Bharti is a Lodhi, and she talks about Hinduism, Modi ji talks about Hinduism. Its only Brahmins who don't talk about it. The country is being misled. Religion and governance are two different things. Everyone has the right to practice their religion.”

Ending the speech on making another controversy, Joshi stated that the relation between former PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was cordial  and misinformation is being spread by BJP for political gains. He said, “Sardar Patel ji was in Pt Nehru's cabinet. Patel ji's unifying India project had support of Pt Nehru, he never did anything without Pandit Nehru's nod. But these people today spread misinformation that both of them did not get along.”

The Assembly elections for 200 seats in Rajasthan will take place on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11, along with the fate of four other states.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 23, 2018 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).