Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): A group of para-sports players and specially abled people (divyangs) staged a protest against Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his 'Langda Ghoda' (lame horse) remark in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal, on Friday and submitted a memorandum to state sports and youth welfare minister Vishvas Sarang.

The specially abled people claimed that Rahul Gandhi used an objectionable word during his address during his Bhopal visit on June 3 and demanded that the Congress leader apologise.

Speaking to ANI, a para athlete, Nipendra Chaure said, 'Today, we have come to submit a memo against Rahul Gandhi who used an objectionable word for people with disabilities in his speech during the Bhopal visit. It is absolutely wrong, irresponsible, and such words should not be used. On one hand our Prime Minister encourages specially abled people in every field and he had an objection with the word 'Viklang' and replaced it with 'Divyang'. If the Prime Minister of our country is giving us an honour, then you too are a leader of the opposition, holding a responsible post, so you should also not say such insulting words. It has hurt the entire divyang community, and Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the entire divyang community.'

He further highlighted that they are too part of the nation and contribute to its progress. Hurting their honour was completely wrong and irresponsible behaviour.

'We also vote, we too participate in everything and do jobs. We are also a part of the country, and we also contribute to the country's progress. It is absolutely wrong and irresponsible behaviour to hurt our honour. Rahul Gandhi should apologise,' Chaure added.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh sports and youth welfare minister Sarang said that Rahul Gandhi not only insulted the specially abled people but also insulted the Congress leaders as he compared them to an animal.

'Today, para sports players and specially abled people came to meet me and submitted a memorandum in protest against the insults by Rahul Gandhi in the past day. They are players and made the country and state proud in the Paralympic Games. They say that if the leaders make such statements, our entire society is discouraged and humiliated. Rahul Gandhi, who was born with a silver spoon, cannot understand this pain. Surely, they are very upset and have submitted a memo. Rahul Gandhi not only insulted disabled people but also insulted Congress workers when he compared his party workers to animals. This is his arrogance and reflects the mindset of imperialism,' Sarang said.

Notably, while addressing the Congress Workers Convention in Bhopal on June 3, Rahul Gandhi talked about three types of horses to identify the strengths of his party workers and empower them.

'...Earlier I used to say two types of horses 'Race horse' and 'baraat horse' but there is a third category 'Langda ghoda' (Lame Horse). We have to identify who (party workers) belong to which category...' the Congress leader had said. (ANI)