'People have developed habit of begging from government,' says MP mantri, triggers row

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Patel has sparked a controversy by equating public demands and petitions to govt with "begging". At a function in Rajgarh district on Saturday, panchayat and rural development minister Patel said this "army of beggars" is weakening society.

"People have developed a habit of begging from govt. Politicians come, they get a basketful of papers. They are garlanded on stage and a letter is put in their hands. This is not a good habit. Instead of taking, develop the mindset of giving. You will be happy and will build a cultured society. Gathering an army of beggars does not strengthen society, but weakens it. The attraction towards free things is not a mark of respect for these brave women," Patel, a former Union minister, said after unveiling a statue of Rani Avantibai Lodhi at Suthaliya town.

"Can you name any martyr who has ever begged? Despite this, we continue to organise programmes, make speeches, and move on," Patel said, adding that as a "Narmada Parikrama pilgrim", he has asked for alms, but never for himself. Videos of his speech were shared on social media, triggering sharp criticism from opposition Congress.

PCC president Jitu Patwari posted on X: "Residents of the state, arrogant BJP is now calling the public beggars! This is an insult to the hopes and tears of those in sorrow! They make false promises during elections and then backtrack. When people remind them of their promises, they call them beggars. Remember them well, many such faces of BJP will come to your doorstep again in some time, begging for votes."

In another post he wrote, "... If BJP calls a demand for rights begging, then the public must consider how those who beg for votes dare to openly call them beggars. If those who beg for votes and remain in power as traders of authority can call the public beggars, it would be a historic insult to public opinion! If those who pretend to be the 'chief servant' remain silent this time, then the public will have to prepare their own bitter pill for their pain."

Leader of opposition Umang Singhar said, "It is duty of government and its ministers to serve the public. Patel is a senior minister. He & govt must clarify whether people of state are being referred to as beggars."

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