Varun Gandhi addressing a gathering at his constituency Sultanpur
Varun Gandhi took a sharp jibe at cousin Rahul today while handing out cheques to farmers in his constituency in Uttar Pradesh today.
Varun, who belongs to the BJP, represents Sultanpur in the Lok Sabha; Rahul, 44, is the MP from neighbouring Amethi.
As Varun handed out cheques, from his parliamentary salary, to farmers who have suffered massive crop loss because of unseasonal rain, he said, "Ask other MPs if they too will donate money to farmers in distress." Without naming Rahul, he said, "you can even ask the Amethi MP this." His audience laughed.
Rahul, Vice President of the Congress, which collated a colossal defeat in last year's national election, is leading his party's campaign against the BJP's new land reforms, describing them as "anti-farmer." The government says the new rules are key for development and infrastructure like major highways, and will elevate farmers from poverty.
Mr Gandhi returned the country after a two-month-long vacation during a key session of parliament, raising questions about his ability and interest in leading his party. Since then, however, he has led the Congress attack on the PM, terming his government as a "suit-boot ki sarkaar" (administration for the elite).
Varun Gandhi and his mother, Maneka, have been estranged from Rahul and his mother Sonia and sister Priyanka since the 80s.
Varun is the son of Sanjay Gandhi, the younger of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's sons who died in an air crash in 1980. Rahul and Priyanka are children of the elder son and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991.
Varun's mother fell out with Indira Gandhi soon after her husband's death.