Rajiv Gandhi no better than Sanjay: Kerala CM

After his 'inadvertent' comment against Rajiv Gandhi enraged Congress legislators in the state assembly, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the late prime minister.

Speaking after inaugurating the Communist Party of India - Marxist's local committee office at Thamarakkulam, the veteran Marxist leader said Rajiv Gandhi was "no better than Sanjay Gandhi."

The chief minister alleged that Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for allowing former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson flee the country after the Bhopal gas tragedy.

Achuthanandan said the Congress had stalled proceedings in the assembly on Friday after he 'inadvertently' mentioned the name of Rajiv Gandhi in place of his brother Sanjay Gandhi.

"But Rajiv Gandhi was no better than Sanjay," he alleged.

The remark on Rajiv, which he later clarified was a "slip of the tongue", led to the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front stalling the proceedings of the House on Friday.

Achuthanandan had made the comment while defending his party's position against the recent high court verdict banning roadside public meetings. With the Opposition making a hue and cry, Achuthanandan immediately corrected himself, saying he was actually referring to Sanjay.

However, Congressmen continued their protests, leading to early adjournment of the House.