Asset naming row: Rishi Kapoor is not aware of family history, Congress replies

MUMBAI: Congress today responded strongly to Rishi Kapoor's tirade against naming major assets of the country after the Gandhi family members during the party's rule, saying the veteran actor is not aware of the family's contribution towards nation-building.

"Rishi Kapoor fails to realise the contribution of the Gandhi family towards nation building," Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) chief Sanjay Nirupam told PTI.

"Some people say anything for the sake of power and due to their parochial attitude," he said, attacking the 63-year-old actor.

"I have sent him a list of airports in the country, named after several important leaders from Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj to Lal Bhadur Shastri. Saying that everything is named after the Gandhi family is not correct," Nirupam said.

"Maybe he is not aware of the pioneering work done by late Rajiv Gandhi in areas of women empowerment and panchayat raj," Nirupam, former MP, said.

In a series of tweets, Kapoor had slammed the Congress for naming national assets after Gandhi family during their rule.

The actor said the names of the prominent places should be changed after those who worked for the welfare of the country

Change Gandhi family assets named by Congress.Bandra/Worli Sea Link to Lata Mangeshkar or JRD Tata link road. Baap ka maal samjh rakha tha ?

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) May 17, 2016

We must name important assets of the country who have contributed to society. Har cheez Gandhi ke naam? I don't agree. Sochna log!

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) May 17, 2016