Apparently to downplay the criticism from within and other political parties, Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Monday withdrew his jibe that those Seemandhra leaders opposing the bifurcation process are stupids.
Jaipal, in a statement, clarified that he had not chided Seemandhra leaders but spoken in a lighter vein.
Citing a Telugu saying “Panditha Puthra Parama Shuntha” (It means that Son of a scholar is a fool), Jaipal related the scholars to Pattabhi and Tanguturi Prakasm.
He said that his intention was not to insult anyone and that he had used the words only as a mark of disgust that the Seemandhra leaders have failed to realise the need for separate Telangana State.
However, his sarcastic comments were turned into a proper abuse. He clarified that he had no individual in mind and did not target anyone with those comments.
“Since my comments have kicked up a lot of heat and dust, I am withdrawing the same,” he said.
