Sheila Dikshit does a U-turn, says Rahul a 'mature' leader

Sheila Dikshit had earlier said "Rahul Gandhi was still not mature, his age does not allow him to be mature".

New Delhi, Feb 25: Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, in a U-turn on her earlier remark that party vice president Rahul Gandhi was "still not mature", has clarified that he has "the sensitivity of a mature leader". The party veteran in a newspaper interview on Thursday said Gandhi was "still not mature, his age does not allow him to be mature".

Her comments were quickly lapped up by Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah, who ridiculed Gandhi saying "immature Rahul should be kept at home" instead of being sent to Uttar Pradesh.

With #Don'ttwistmywords hashtag, Dikshit took to Twitter to clarify her comment.
"Rahul has the sensitivity and concern of a mature leader. His words are those of a young, courageous and restless man," the three-time Chief Minister said.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) too on Friday mocked Rahul Gandhi, saying he was "quite mature" and was out to fulfil "Mahatma Gandhi's dream" of making India "Congress-free". Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza said: "What remark she made, or what she did not, she (Dikshit) clarified herself. I needn't comment on that."

Reacting on Amit Shah's remark, Oza said: "Rahulji doesn't need a certificate from Amit Shah. He (Gandhi) has been working hard and is in the hearts and minds of the masses, because he fights for every citizen of the country and for their justice.

"He is the only leader who fought for the farmers and their rights. He also fought for Rohith Vemula and the downtrodden. They know what he is and his concern for them. Amit Shah need not issue certificate and Rahulji doesn't need it from him."

IANS