BJP's Anantkumar Hegde defends his statement, says 'never mentioned anything against Gandhi '
Defending his remarks over Mahatma Gandhi, Anantkumar Hegde said, “I never made any reference to any political party or Mahatma Gandhi or anybody else. I was just trying to categorise freedom struggle. That's all.”
FollowNew Delhi: Amid the raging controversy, BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde has come out in defence of his remarks over Mahatma Gandhi.
"I own my statement," said BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde on Tuesday, while adding that he has never said anything against the father of the nation.
"All related media reports are false. I never said what is being debated over. It is an unnecessary controversy. I own my statement made on February 1, 2020, in Bengaluru. I never made any reference to any political party or Mahatma Gandhi or anybody else, I was just trying to categorise freedom struggle. That's all," said Hegde.
"I am surprised by the discussion and debates around it. What can I say about something that is not there? There is an uproar for nothing. My statement is available in the public forum. If anyone wants to see, it is available online and on my website. Show me if I have said anything against Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru or any other freedom fighters," he added.
The BJP leader further stated, "That programme was about Savarkar. With due respect to all our freedom fighters, I was just discussing our freedom struggle; there is no confusion or any derogatory comment on freedom struggle or fighters. Unnecessary nuisance has been created."
Hegde stoked controversy after he attacked Mahatma Gandhi by calling the freedom struggle led by him a "drama" and also questioned as to how "such people" come to be called 'Mahatma' in India.
"None of these so-called leaders was beaten up by the cops even once. Their independence movement was a big drama. It was staged by these leaders with the approval of the British. It was not a genuine fight. It was an adjusted freedom struggle," he had said.
While several Congress leaders have condemned his remark on the father of the nation, BJP leaders too have distanced themselves from it.
Top leadership in BJP is unhappy with Anantkumar Hegde over his controversial remarks on Mahatma Gandhi, party sources said on Monday, adding that he has been asked to issue an unconditional apology.
