Congress suspends Rajasthan MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma for criticising Rahul Gandhi

Jaipur: Congress on Sunday suspended Rajasthan MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma a day after he voiced his opinions against party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

"Sharma has been suspended by the PCC chief on direction by the AICC General Secretary in charge Gurudas Kamat," PCC spokesperson Archna Sharma said.

Sharma had on Saturday attacked the leadership of Rahul saying he was directionless and surrounded by advisers who lack political understanding.

Calling Rahul an 'MD of the Congressi Circus', Sharma said Sonia Gandhi should shift her focus towards strengthening and restructuring the party in a democratic manner instead of showing affection for Rahul.

When contacted, Sharma said that he was not aware whether he was suspended but said he did not care about the action. "I am not bothered about the action. I was right in saying that Rahul is surrounded by such advisors who have no ground, no support and they all were responsible for the party defeat. The way the party is functioning now is very unfortunate," he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rameshwar Lal Dudi did not respond to calls despite repeated attempts.

A six-time MLA, Sharma represents Sardarshahar constituency in the Rajasthan assembly, in which Congress has 21 MLAs, including him.

In 2013 Assembly elections, BJP stormed to power with winning 163 out of 200 seats.