Rahul Gandhi, a 'Khota Hindutwadi', says Anant Kumar Hegde

Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde on Thursday took a jibe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi and called him a 'Khota Hindutvawadi' (Fake Hindu).

Hegde's statement comes in the backdrop of Rahul's visit to temples in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections.

"For the past 60-70 years the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been campaigning to make people realise their Hindu origins; at least Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi now get it, but you need to practice it and not just say you are a Hindu," Hegde told ANI.

"Otherwise you are 'Khota Hindutvawadi', he added.

Earlier in the week, Congress President had concluded his four-day tour in north Karnataka districts in the first leg of his campaign in the poll-bound state, during which he visited temples, mutts and Dargahs.

He will begin his second phase of the tour in the state from February 24.

--ANI