Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 2 : Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitendra Jitu Patwari on Sunday condemned BJP leader Pralhad Patel's remarks calling the public 'army of beggars' and demanded his resignation, saying that if the top leadership does not take action, the statement would be reflective of the BJP's mindset.
Congress leader Jitendra Patwari urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief JP Nadda to take action, stating that if Patel's resignation is not sought, it will be seen as the entire BJP labeling the public as beggars.
Patwari condemned Pralhad Patel's remarks, asserting that the public is simply fighting for their rights and not begging.
"If the public doesn't fight for their rights or approach the government, ministers, and public representatives, then whom should they go to?" questioned Patwari.
He further criticised the BJP, stating, "When you ask for votes from the public, is that begging? Or is it begging when the public demands their basic rights?"
In a self-made video on X, Jitendra Patwari said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and the BJP leadership must clarify whether they endorse the statement made by Pralhad Patel, who has called the public beggars for demanding their rights. The public is not begging; they are fighting for their rights. If they don't approach the government, ministers, or public representatives with their issues, then whom should they turn to? Is it begging when you seek votes from the public or when the public demands their rightful entitlements? Pralhad Patel's statement reflects the mindset of the BJP, and if they do not ask for his resignation, it will be clear that the entire BJP has called the public beggars. I urge PM Modi to take action and ensure that Patel resigns."
"Vote traders calling the public beggars," posted Jitendra Patel on his X.
This comes after Madhya Pradesh minister and BJP leader Prahlad Patel was slammed for his remarks that people have developed a habit of begging from the government and that the "army of beggars is not making society stronger."
Former Union minister and current Madhya Pradesh minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Pralhad Patel reportedly made the remarks during the unveiling ceremony of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi's statue in Rajgarh district.
Patel's remarks were criticized by the Opposition, with the Congress accusing Patel of calling members of the public beggars.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Madhya Pradesh assembly, Umang Singhar, also responded and said that the BJP government should provide a clarification to BJP leader Prahlad Patel's 'army of beggars' statement and stated that it is the government's duty to serve the common people and address their grievances.
In response to Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Patel's controversial statement, Umang Singhar questioned the intention behind Patel's words and called for the BJP to clarify whether the ruling party is labeling the people seeking justice as beggars.
Singhar asserted that it is the fundamental responsibility of the government and its ministers to address the needs of the common people, especially those facing difficulties.
"When the poor or victims come for justice, they are not beggars," said Singhar, adding that ministers and officers should not show irritation toward the people who are seeking help.
Speaking to ANI, Umang Singhar said, "It is the government's and its ministers's duty to work for the common people. But if the poor and the victim come for justice, then he is not a beggar. Prahlad Patel is a senior minister. I cannot say with what feeling he said this, but the BJP government should clarify whether the people of the state are being called beggars."
"Wherever a minister or official goes, people will come to them for their addressal of grievances, in this, whichever minister or officer is there, they should not get irritated. Instead, immediate efforts should be made to fulfil the grievances of whoever comes," said Singhar.
Adding further, he said, "The chief secretary should also note that if thousands of applications are pending in the state, then a decision should be taken immediately. Talking about schemes, the government should focus on which schemes so that all the sections like women, youth, farmers, etc, can benefit from them."