BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde Says Remarks On Gandhiji Taken Out Of Context

BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde defended his controversial speech saying that his remarks were taken out of context. Speaking to the news agency, ANI, Hegde asserted that he was only trying to categorise the freedom struggle. He further said that in his address at an event to pay homage to Veer Savarkar, he did not refer to any political party or Gandhiji. Hegde told the media agency that his speech was there in YouTube and on Facebook. There were no derogatory remarks in it, he maintained.

"I have not uttered a word against Mahatma Gandhi or Jawaharlal Nehru or any other freedom fighter", the seven-time BJP MP added. Hegde remarked that a needless controversy had been generated by the opposition on the issue. There were no derogatory comments on our freedom struggle, the BJP MP insisted.

The MP's comments describing Mahatma Gandhi's leadership of the freedom struggle as 'mere drama', came in for all-round criticism and the BJP distanced itself from his remarks. Media reports stated that PM Modi was upset with the controversial comments of the MP who is known for his sensational statements.

The Congress and other opposition parties slammed Hegde for his comments insulting Mahatma Gandhi and asked the BJP leadership to act against him. The Congress also sought an explanation from PM Modi on the MP's remarks about Mahatma Gandhi calling the freedom struggle 'a drama.'

Anantkumar Hegde's controversial remarks about Mahatma Gandhi stalled proceedings of the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Calling for an apology from him and the BJP, the Congress staged a walkout over the issue.