Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday courted controversy as he took a veiled jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, saying he "saw people lying on the road after drinking alcohol". In response, Union Minister and BJP MP from Amethi, Smriti Irani, slammed Rahul Gandhi for his "objectionable" remarks and questioned his upbringing.

"Rahul Gandhi's remarks show how much venom he has in his mind for Uttar Pradesh. He made objectionable comments against the voters of Uttar Pradesh in Wayanad. He rejected the invitation to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple. Today (Tuesday), he has made objectionable remarks about Varanasi and the young people of Uttar Pradesh," she said.

"Congress's future is in darkness, but Uttar Pradesh's future is moving towards development. It is my advice to Sonia Gandhi that if she cannot give a good upbringing to her son, then at least ask him not to comment," Irani further said.