Karnataka - Bangalore

I didn’t insult Kannadigas, says Lalu Prasad

Lalu Prasad

Bangalore: Under attack from some political leaders and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Friday described the allegations that he insulted the people of Karnataka as a “malicious campaign being made for petty political gains.”

He stoutly denied that he had made any comment that would offend the sentiments of people of the State for whom, he said, he had great respect.

“A section of the media has presented to the people a distorted version of my reaction to the recent railway recruitment held by South Western Railways (SWR),” Mr. Prasad told PTI over telephone from Patna. “A reporter of a TV channel sought my reaction on the railway recruitment. I only asked him — why are (you) raising such dirty issues. But my comment was distorted,” he said.

When the channel reporter wanted his reaction on the “injustice caused to Kannadigas in railway recruitment,” Mr. Prasad said: “my contention was people from anywhere in the country can appear for the competitive exam. The Constitution does not provide for any disparity in recruitment either in Central or State services.”

“I am deeply hurt to see the reports which have added more shells to the ammunition of the Opposition. My political opponents have launched a vilification campaign for petty political gains,” Mr. Prasad said, but refused to take anyone’s name. SWR put off the recruitment process last month following protests.

“My love for the people of Karnataka had already been amply demonstrated when I supported the candidature of H.D. Deve Gowda for the post of Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr. Prasad said he respected people from all religions and regions in the country. —PTI

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