Parshottam Rupala, Union minister for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying on Sunday clarified his recent statement on erstwhile royal families. The statement was made at a function organised by the Valmiki Samaj.
Rupala, who has been nominated to contest the Lok Sabha election from Rajkot, had said that the British oppressed Indians before Independence.
“Erstwhile princely states maintained relations with the British. Sons and daughters of royals married the British, but the Rukhi Samaj, which was the most oppressed, had nothing to do with the colonial rulers. I respect and honour you,” the Union minister had said.
His statement was criticised by the Kshatriya community, including erstwhile royals. In an apology to the community in a video statement, Rupala said he had wanted to focus on the British oppression of Indians before Independence.
“Many advised me while some expressed their anger and displeasure over my utterances. My intention was only to stress on the oppression of ‘vidharmis’ on Indians. I didn’t have, do not have, and will never have any intention of demeaning members of erstwhile royal families. If my statements have hurt anyone, I regret my utterances and seek pardon,” he said.
Among those who spoke to him and expressed displeasure include former minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Rajya Sabha MP Kesridevsinh Jhala of Wankaner, Mandatasinh from Rajkot, Prithvisinh Jethva, Tejpalsinh Sarvaiya from Bhavnagar, Arjunsinh Vala from Jasdan, Mandipsinh from Palitana and others from the Kshatriya community.
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