Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should apologize for calling Hindus violent.

Gandhi, in his first speech as leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, attacked the BJP, saying that those who call themselves Hindus are engaged in "violence and hatred" 24 hours a day.

Phandavis said, "Rahul Gandhi has made wrong, objectionable and derogatory remarks towards the entire Hindu community. Calling the entire community violent in the Lok Sabha is an insult to Hindus. He should take back his words and apologize."

Fadnavis came here to pay homage to the 'palkhi' (palanquin) of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. PI SPK BNM