MP Assembly Speaker Apologizes for Controversial Remarks on Kushwaha Community
Controversy Arises Over Remarks
Bhopal, August 5 - The Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Narendra Singh Tomar, expressed regret on Wednesday for his controversial comments regarding the Kushwaha community. He emphasized that he would never disrespect this community, even in his dreams. Tomar made these remarks during an event held at the residence of Kamlesh Kushwaha, the district president of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Morena, where he referred to the Kushwaha community as 'those who flip' and 'undermining their own credibility.'
Response from the Kushwaha Community
Following Tomar's comments, representatives from the Kushwaha community voiced strong objections, leading to the Congress party labeling his statements as anti-backward class. In response, Tomar issued a letter to the Kushwaha community, clarifying that the event at Kamlesh Kushwaha's home was familial in nature and that discussions were held in that context. He stated, 'Kushwahas and we are complementary to each other, and I have always respected this community and will continue to do so throughout my life. I cannot even think of disrespecting them.'
Clarification and Apology
Tomar further added, 'If my words have hurt the members of the community, I take back my words and sincerely apologize for any distress caused.' During the event in Morena, he remarked that there was a time when the Kushwaha community was considered a supporter of the BJP, long before the emergence of parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He noted that during that period, the BJP had given a ticket to Kalicharan Kushwaha when no other party could even imagine doing so.
Social Media Reaction
Tomar's comments quickly spread on social media, with a video clip of his remarks going viral. Jitu Patwari, the state Congress president, shared the clip on X, criticizing the inappropriateness of such comments from someone in a constitutional position and demanded an apology from Tomar, labeling the remarks as anti-backward class.