New Delhi, November 23: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condemned the casteist comments of senior party leader CP Joshi, stating the later should regret his statements. Adding on he said that Congress party does not support these statements which can hurt the sentiments of the any section.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, the Congress president said, “CP Joshi's comment is the opposite of the values of Congress party. Party leaders should not give statements which can hurt sentiments of any section. I am sure Joshi ji will realise his mistake, keeping party's principles in mind. He should regret his statement.” Caste Politics in Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018: CP Joshi Plays 'Brahmin Card' to Attack PM Modi, Uma Bharti; Congress Clarifies

Taking the cue from Gandhi, Joshi took back apologised for his comments and stated that he regrets to have hurt the sentiments of people. He said that he values the ideology and sentiments of party workers.

Earlier on Thursday, while addressing an electoral rally in Nathdwara, CP Joshi had made statements raking up the issue of casteism - especially Brahmins. He had mentioned the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Uma Bharti in his speech and also accused the Bharatiya Janata party of misleading people in the name of religious politics.

Joshi had said, “They say a Congressi can't be a Hindu, who gave them the authority to issue certificates? Have they opened a university? If anyone knows about religion then its pandits/Brahmins.”

Adding on he had 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.”

It is to be known that soon after the news broke, the Congress party released the full video of CP Joshi’s speech and tried to play safe. It said that Joshi didn’t attack any 'jaati' and in the new video Joshi can be heard questioning who is BJP give a certificate.

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 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).