New Delhi, November 13: Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said had her mother Sonia Gandhi observed Chhath, also known as Chhath Puja, she would have been blessed with an intelligent child. Manoj Tiwari made the controversial remark while addressing a crowd in poll-bound Chhattisgarh. The video of his statement went viral, drawing flak.

In the video, Tiwari is seen saying that Rahul Gandhi's mother did not observe Chhath, apparently to mock the Congress president. "They have issues when Modiji speaks. They get upset when Modiji is silent. The problem is that Rahul Gandhi's mother didn't observe Chhath. Had she observed Chhath, she would have delivered an intelligent kid," the BJP leader said. Signature Bridge Scuffle: Complaint Filed Against Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari by AAP MP ND Gupta.

"Intelligent and nationalist kids are born, not corrupt, by offering prayers to Chhath Maa," the BJP MP from North-East Delhi added.

Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and also in neighbouring Nepal. This year Chhath Puja is being celebrated over four days starting Sunday to Wednesday. Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wives Usha and Sangya or Sandhya in order to thank them.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2018 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).