Nagpur, Jan. 1 -- Congress leader Nana Patole on Thursday lashed out at critics over backlash to his statement comparing Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, saying those who responded without understanding his statement have "lost their mental balance".

Speaking to ANI, Patole said, "What I said in my statement needs to be understood first. Those who respond without understanding my statement have lost their mental balance. I do not wish to talk about such people."

A controversy has erupted after Patole compared Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and allies.

On Wednesday, Nana Patole, while addressing the question of Rahul Gandhi not visiting the Ram Temple, said that the Congress is d...