“People Have Developed Habit Of Begging”: Madhya Pradesh Minister Sparks Row

Former Union Minister and BJP chief Prahlad Patel sparked controversy on Saturday after he termed public demand petitions as “begging.” His remarks, made throughout the unveiling ceremony of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi’s statue in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district, have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

Addressing the gathering, the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Improvement Minister stated, “Individuals have developed a behavior of begging from the federal government. Leaders come, and they’re handed a basket filled with petitions. They’re garlanded on stage, and a letter is positioned of their fingers. This isn’t an excellent behavior. As an alternative of asking, domesticate the mindset of giving. I guarantee you, this can result in a happier life and assist construct a cultured society.”

He additional stated that extreme dependency on freebies weakens society moderately than strengthening it. “This military of beggars isn’t making society stronger; it’s making it weaker. The attraction in direction of free issues isn’t a mark of respect for courageous ladies. A martyr is actually honored once we reside by their values,” he stated.

“Are you able to identify a martyr who has ever begged? In that case, inform me. Regardless of this, we proceed to organise packages, make speeches, and transfer on,” Mr Patel added. “As a Narmada Parikrama pilgrim, I do ask for alms – however by no means for myself. Nobody can say they’ve given something to Prahlad Patel.”

Mr Patel’s assertion has triggered a powerful response from the opposition Congress. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jeetu Patwari criticised the minister, calling his remarks an insult to the folks of the state.

“The vanity of the BJP has reached such a degree that they’re now calling the general public beggars! That is an insult to the hopes and tears of these combating hardships. They make false guarantees earlier than elections after which refuse to satisfy them. When the folks remind them, they shamelessly name them beggars! Allow them to keep in mind – quickly, these very BJP leaders will come begging for votes!” Mr Patwari stated in a pointy rebuke.