People have developed a habit of begging from the government: Ex-Union Minister
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Bhopal: Former Union Minister and BJP leader Prahlad Patel stirred up a controversy on Saturday when he called the petitions that people submit to the government as ‘begging’.
Prahlad Patel was addressing the unveiling ceremony of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi's statue in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district when he said ‘People have developed a habit of begging from the government.’
He added, ‘Leaders come, and they are handed a basket full of petitions. They are garlanded on stage, and a letter is placed in their hands. This is not a good habit. Instead of asking, cultivate the mindset of giving. I assure you, this will lead to a happier life and help build a cultured society.’
The former minister also criticized offering freebies saying dependency on it would weaken the society, rather than strengthening it.
‘This army of beggars is not making society stronger; it is making it weaker. The attraction towards free things is not a mark of respect for brave women. A martyr is truly honored when we live by their values,’ he was quoted as saying.
Prahlad Patel asked if they could name a martyr who ever begged, adding ‘If so, tell me. Despite this, we continue to organise programs, make speeches, and move on’.
Patel reportedly said: ‘As a Narmada Parikrama pilgrim, I do ask for alms - but never for myself. No one can say they have given anything to Prahlad Patel.’
Opposition Congress is up in arms responding to Patel’s statement with Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jeetu Patwari calling his remarks an insult to the people.
Calling out the statement Patwari said: ‘The arrogance of the BJP has reached such a level that they are now calling the public beggars! This is an insult to the hopes and tears of those struggling with hardships. They make false promises before elections and then refuse to fulfill them. When the people remind them, they shamelessly call them beggars! Let them remember - soon, these very BJP leaders will come begging for votes!’