Prakash Javadekar clarifies statement on icons of Indian freedom struggle

New Delhi: Remarks by Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar about how the British dealt with icons of Indian freedom struggle on Tuesday touched off a controversy, forcing him to issue a clarification.

In a video of his comments in Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh), which went viral, Javadekar is heard saying,“Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Pt Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru sabhi phaansi par chadhe (all were hanged)”.

These comments gave an impression that, like Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Nehru and Patel were also hanged by the British. Clarifying his remarks in a series of tweets, Javadekar said,“I am amused with the news. I paid my respect to all the freedom fighters since 1857.

I am amused with the news. I paid my respect to all the freedom fighters since 1857. (1/4)

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 23, 2016

“I mentioned leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Subhash Bose. It was a full stop. In the next sentence I recounted those who were hanged, jailed and suffered at the hands of the British. There was no confusion in the minds of those who listened. I hope this removes all confusion.”

I mentioned leaders like Gandhi Nehru, Subhash Bose. It was a full stop. (2/4)

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 23, 2016

In the next sentence I recounted those who were hanged, jailed and suffered at the hands of the British. (3/4)

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 23, 2016

There was no confusion in the minds of those who listened. I hope this removes all confusion. (4/4)

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 23, 2016