Madhya Pradesh Congress President J<itu Patwari has strongly criticized State Panchayati Raj Minister Prahlad Patel’s recent statement, in which Patel claimed that people have developed a habit of begging from the government. Patwari called the remark arrogant and insulting.
Responding to Patel’s statement, Patwari said that when people raise their voices for their rights, whether farmers, women, youth, or employees, the BJP labels them as ‘beggars.’ He questioned whether BJP leaders taking loans, engaging in scams, and indulging in corruption would also be considered begging.
Patwari accused the BJP government of pushing the state into a financial crisis, stating that despite having a debt of over Rs 3.5 lakh crore in the 2023-24 financial year, the government continues to take more loans. He alleged that commission-based corruption and bribery are at their peak, with officials and leaders enjoying privileges at the public’s expense while calling citizens beggars when they demand their rightful dues.
The Congress leader further attacked the government over various scams, including Vyapam, e-tendering, and recruitment frauds. He asked if leaders accepting bribes should also be considered as begging.
Referring to the Ladli Behna Yojana, Patwari pointed out that while the BJP initially promised ?3,000 to women before elections, it later reduced the amount. Now, when women demand the fulfillment of these promises, they are being labeled as beggars. Similarly, he argued that farmers seeking fair prices for their crops should not be considered as begging, especially when the government spends huge sums on elections and industrialists but claims to have no funds for farmers.
Patwari accused the BJP of trying to suppress public voices to hide its failures. He stated that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to demand their fair share, and calling it begging is unjust. He concluded that employment, women’s assistance, and farmers’ rights are not charity but constitutional entitlements. Patwari asserted that a government that insults its people in such a manner does not deserve to remain in power.
