New Delhi: Karnataka bidri craftsman Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, who was awarded Padma Shri on Wednesday, made a statement praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has courted controversy when the Congress termed it a tutored one.
Quadri was reported to have told PM Modi that he had previously been mistaken in his belief that the BJP government would not recognize the contributions of a Muslim like himself, during a statement in which he praised the Prime Minister sparking controversy as the Congress party called the statement a tutored one.
Controversy arose after Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, in an interview with India Today, claimed that Quadri's statement seemed 'tutored' in response to the PM's praise. In retort, Quadri denied the allegation, stating that what he said came from his heart.
Quadri stated to television channels on Thursday that he had told the Prime Minister what was in his heart, including his attempts to receive the award during the Congress government's time, his initial disappointment and later giving up trying when the BJP government came into power.
He also denied ever approaching any individual politician and stated that he had sent his profile to the government but had never received a reply, and now feels as though he is being taught to speak in praise of Modi.
Quadri further clarified that the award has no connection with the Karnataka assembly election due in May, as his name was announced as an awardee in January and the process must have started last year.
Pramod Tiwari of Congress congratulated the craftsman and expressed his belief that many people who deserve the award don't get it, but Tiwari claimed that BJP may have made an effort to gain benefits in the election, although it will not happen, and further stated that had the UPA government been in power, the craftsman may have received the award. However, Tiwari said that Quadri's statement seemed tutored and that BJP has publicized it despite many people giving statements.