Jaipur/New Delhi: Political leaders across the country have condemned BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde for his comment calling Mahatma Gandhi-led freedom movement a “drama”.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemned the statement saying the BJP has no regard for the Father of the Nation.
“BJP MP’s statement is condemnable. BJP leaders can afford to call freedom movement a drama only because they never fought for India’s independence and never made any sacrifices,” Gehlot tweeted.
BJP MP’s statement is condemnable. BJP leaders can afford to call freedom movement a drama only because they nvr fought for India’s independence & nvr made any sacrifices. Such statements reveal their true mindset that they use Gandhiji’s name just for show & hv no regard for him https://t.co/th9EJbNneU
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) February 3, 2020
Hegde, a former Union minister, reportedly claimed at an event in Bangalore Sunday that the entire freedom movement was staged with the consent and support of the British, and the independence movement led by Gandhi was a “drama”.
Soon after his remark, the Congress condemned it and called BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde “son” of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of the freedom fighter.
“Only sons of Nathuram Godse can make such comments on Mahatma Gandhi,” Congress leader BK Hariprasad said.
BJP top brass unhappy too
Top leadership in BJP is also said to be unhappy with Hegde’s remarks and are finding it difficult to defend him, party sources said.
BJP sources claimed Hegde has been asked to issue an unconditional apology and ‘take remedial measures’.
“Any insult to Mahatma Gandhi is unacceptable,” a senior BJP leader said.
While many senior BJP leaders avoided commenting on Hegde’s remarks, Union Minister Ashwani Choubey said that Hegde should not have made the comment and added that Gandhi is a well-respected figure in the nation.
Another BJP MP from Haryana Sanjay Bhatia also tried to shy away from making a direct comment and instead said,” Congress did not implement what Gandhi preached. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who implemented Gandhi’s teachings in letter and spirit.”
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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This cuckoo never shuts its mouth. May be called motor mouth Cuckoo!
For a change, Ananth Kumar hegde is right. For too long, the country has been hostage to Gandhi. Time has to shed this. Gandhi attained immortality because of assassination by Godse. Otherwise, he would have been forgotten by now like any other freedom fighters.