BJP leader Ajay Chandrakar on Wednesday apologized to the tribal community after a remark by him in the Chhattisgarh Assembly ignited a volley of protests from tribal members including Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma.
Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey told the House that the government had announced a holiday on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in the state.
Chandrakar pointed out that giving such a holiday had no logic as now the country had a tribal woman as President. It is a politically motivated declaration, he said.
Immediately, tribal MLAs led by Minister Lakhma opposed him. They alleged that Chandrakar frequently mocked at the community and its leaders.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stepped in saying the member had made several comments displaying disregard to the tribal community. He had called Lakhma an ‘Item Girl’ and called tribals cheer leaders. All these were highly objectionable.
The tribal MLAs continued to create noisy scenes and sought an apology.
Chandrakar then tendered an apology that if his statements inside and outside the House had hurt anyone, he would like to wholeheartedly say sorry.