Bhopal: A group of para-sports players and specially abled individuals (Divyangs) staged a protest in Bhopal on Friday, expressing strong objection to a recent remark made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The protestors condemned Gandhi’s use of the term “Langda Ghoda” (lame horse) during a Congress event in the city on June 3, calling it offensive and insensitive toward the specially abled community.
The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, urging Gandhi to issue a public apology for his statement.
Para-athlete Nipendra Chaure, speaking on behalf of the group, said, “We are here to protest against Rahul Gandhi’s disrespectful comment. Referring to people as ‘Langda Ghoda’ is not only inappropriate but deeply hurtful to the specially abled community. Our prime minister has replaced the word ‘Viklang’ with ‘Divyang’ to show respect. Being a national leader, Rahul Gandhi should choose his words responsibly.”
Chaure emphasised that the community actively contributes to national development and deserves dignity, not mockery. “We vote, we work, we win medals for the country. We are as much a part of this nation as anyone else. Insulting us with such terms is unacceptable,” he added.
Minister Sarang, who received the memorandum, echoed the sentiments of the protestors. “Rahul Gandhi has not only disrespected the specially abled but also humiliated his own party workers by comparing them to animals. These para-athletes have made the country proud at the international level. Such comments from a senior leader are demoralising and reveal an imperialist mindset,” Sarang said.
The controversy arose from Gandhi’s speech during a Congress Workers’ Convention in Bhopal, where he categorised party workers into three types of horses — “racehorse”, “baraat horse” (ceremonial horse), and “langda ghoda”. The comment has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters, particularly disability rights advocates.
The protestors have demanded an official apology from Rahul Gandhi, stating that such language undermines the dignity and contribution of the specially abled community.
