A Congress legislator from Madhya Pradesh thinks alcohol can bring more damage than just health risks and family issues. Sabalgarh MLA Baijnath Kushwaha claimed on Thursday that several great kings, including Prithviraj Chauhan, even lost their kingdoms and legacy due to their love for alcohol.
Kushwaha's speech ran into controversy after a video clip of the same went viral on social media, drawing flak from the opposition BJP.
"Delhi's King Prithviraj Chauhan, King Parimal of Mahoba and King Jaychand of Kannauj have been great kings. But, due to this (making a hand gesture to denote drinking), now bats are flying in their forts and palaces, and no one is left to take their names," the MLA said while addressing a gathering in a private school in Morena to mark the Children's Day on Thursday.
The MLA later issued an apology, saying it was not his intention to insult any person, caste, religion or sect.
The BJP reacted sharply to his statements saying they reflected the mindset of Congress leaders towards our great leaders and personalities.
"Kushwaha disgraced great personalities of our history in his speech in front of young students. His apology outside doesn't matter. He should go to the school and express regret," BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said.
The Congress, however, distanced itself from Kushwaha's comments and said the issue ended with the MLA's apology.