Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi played down the incident, observing that he just tore a paper and not any party's manifesto.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh refused to comment on Yadav advising Rahul to learn courtesy.

"Rahul seems angry. Earlier he used to get angry by folding hands, then he got angry by tearing up paper. Who knows, next time he might jump off the stage in anger," SP's Akhilesh Yadav said talking to reporters after addressing an election rally at Tiloi in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

38-year-old Akhilesh, son of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, also advised Rahul, who is three years older to him, to control his anger.

"He should control his anger..It's not good for his health," he said.

SP and the ruling BSP were targeted by Rahul, who tore a piece of paper at an election meeting in Lucknow yesterday saying that the "mere lists of assurances" made by the two local parties in UP were of no use.

"Did you understand? Only promises will not do," Rahul said, referring to his act of tearing the piece of paper. He then charged BSP chief Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav with not honouring their commitments made in the past.

Priyanka said she read out about Rahul's action in newspapers today as has been seen by all others.

"I have not asked him what it was (in the paper)", she said, but added he just tore a paper and not a manifesto of any party.

Priyanka however shared her brother's sentiments, saying that people were bored of promises and now want real work.