‘Army of beggars…’: Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Patel’s take on ‘people begging from govt’ stirs row

The comments have received sharp criticism from the Opposition, with the Congress accusing Patel of calling members of the public beggars.

At the event, Patel said, “People have developed a habit of begging from the government. 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.”

“This army of beggars is not making society stronger. It is making it weaker,” he said.

He continued, “Can you name a martyr who has ever begged? …Despite this, we continue to organise programmes, make speeches, and move on.”

He also said that as “a Narmada Parikrama pilgrim”, he has asked for alms, but never for himself. “No one can say they have given anything to Prahlad Patel.”

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari called the minister’s remarks an insult to the people of Madhya Pradesh.

“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 hardship. They (the BJP) make false promises before elections and then refuse to fulfil them. When the people remind them, they shamelessly call them beggars. Let them remember – soon, these very BJP leaders will come begging for votes,” Patwari said.