New Delhi

Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday criticised the Congress, remarking that during the United Progressive Alliance era, the party was affected by what he termed a “son stroke,” which, according to him, distracted it from utilising solar energy effectively.

He made the comment in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour while outlining the progress made in the renewable energy sector under the government led by Narendra Modi. His remarks prompted objections from Congress members.

Responding to supplementary questions on solar initiatives in Maharashtra, Joshi highlighted that India’s renewable energy capacity has expanded significantly in recent years. He also noted that over 10,000 circuit kilometres of green energy corridors have been developed to support the sector.

Continuing his criticism of the Congress and the UPA government, the minister alleged that their focus on promoting “the son” came at the cost of advancing solar energy, in an apparent dig at Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party has frequently accused the Congress of encouraging dynastic politics, a charge the opposition party has consistently denied.