Advertisement

Updated April 17th, 2019 at 17:29 IST

After sparking controversy, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot backtracks from his statement, says ‘I have the greatest regards for the President of India'

Clarifying his controversial comment on the selection of Ram Nath Kovind as the President of India based on his caste, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, on Wednesday, has claimed that he has been misquoted by certain media networks and that he respects the President very much.

| Image:self
Advertisement

Clarifying his controversial comment on the selection of Ram Nath Kovind as the President of India based on his caste, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, on Wednesday, has claimed that he has been misquoted by certain media networks and that he respects the President very much.

WATCH: Congress Goes After President Kovind, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Drags In 'caste Factor' Questioning His Selection Over LK Advani

Earlier, on the same day, Gehlot, while addressing the media, had said that 'Ram Nath Kovind was made the President to fit in caste factor and LK Advani was left behind'.

"People say that the selection of Rashtrapati Ji, Ram Nath Kovind, infact I was reading an article yesterday that it was the time when Gujarat was ready to go under polls and they (BJP) was fearful that Congress will form its government in the state. At that time, one after the other, Amit Shah revealed his gimmicks. I believe that it was upon his advice that Ram Nath Kovind was appointed as President to fit in caste factor. And Advani Sahab was left. The nation was hoping that Advani Ji will finally be regarded with the honour he deserved. Deprived."

Following this, the BJP conducted a press briefing stating that the comment of Rajasthan's Chief Minister 'is an attack on the constitution on India'. BJP Spokesperson G. V. L. Narasimha Rao has said that 'Congress wants to see President Kovind only through the social prism'. 

"I think this is a low attack by the Congress party against the highest constitutional functionary in this country. So, this  is very v anti-Dalit, anti- people, anti-constitution statement made by Ashok Gehlot. It only shows the real mindset of the Congress party. They are unable to take the fact that someone from the stature of Shri Kovind, who comes from a Dalit background, is also a highly accomplished individual. But the Congress party wants to see him only through the social prism and wants to make statement that only lead to condemnation" 

Prior to that Kovind served as the 36th Governor of the state of Bihar from August 16, 2015, to June 20, 2017. He is a lawyer and veteran politician professionally.

Advertisement

Published April 17th, 2019 at 16:57 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo