"Wrong propaganda...": Congress leader Rajeev Shukla over BJP's allegation on Mallikarjun Kharge

"It is completely false that he (Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge) was kept out of the (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's) nomination room. Mallikarjun Kharge was present there with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. It is wrong propaganda. Today Rahul Gandhi came here and congratulated Kharge on completing two years (as Congress National President). Everyone gave him best wishes... Himanta Biswa Sarma says anything to make the BJP happy. What can we say about it," Shukla told ANI.

Earlier on Thursday, BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan said that the outrageous manner in which Mallikarjun Kharge was thoroughly humiliated was indeed very shocking and called it "appalling".

"The outrageous manner in which Mallikarjun Kharge was thoroughly humiliated was indeed very shocking. It was appalling to see that such a senior Dalit leader was treated by the Congress Party with such utter disdain and disrespect," said CR Kesavan.

Lashing out at the Congress party, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Congress party practices untouchability.

"We have shown what is Dalit's position in Congress. Outside, Rahul Gandhi shows that the Congress party supports Dalits and gives them equal participation. But inside, Dalits are insulted. What happened with Mallilarjun Kharge yesterday, after that there is nothing left to tell people. Congress is exposed...Within the party, Dalits are insulted and treated as third-class citizens, and untouchability is practised..." said CM Sarma.

Notably, Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination papers at the district collector's office at Kalpetta.

The Wayanad seat was vacated by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi who retained the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Constituency.

The by-poll in the Wayanad is scheduled to be held on November 13. The counting of the votes will take place on November 23. (ANI)