Cong's Jarkiholi apologies for anti-Hindu remark

November 09, 2022 20:33

Satish Jarkiholi/ANI

Karnataka Congress working president Satish Jarkiholi, who is in the eye of a political storm for his statement on the origins of the word Hindu and its "dirty meaning", on Wednesday withdrew the remark and expressed "regret" if it has hurt anyone's sentiments.

Pointing out that his statement was only referring to what has been written and published, the MLA from Yamakanmardi constituency wrote a letter addressed to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai alleging that some vested interests were trying to project him as "anti-Hindu", and sought an inquiry into it.

Jarkiholi is under intense criticism, including from his own party, for his remarks, and the ruling BJP on Wednesday held statewide protests condemning him and the Congress.

Noting that his statement was based on Wikipedia, books, dictionaries, and writings by historians, the former minister said in the letter, "Some vested interests are trying to project me as anti Hindu and are conspiring to destroy my image. I request you to conduct an inquiry into all this, and against those who are trying to create a scene, without explaining the reality."

He has urged Bommai to immediately constitute an inquiry committee to look into it.

Further, stating that his statement has created a controversy, Jarkiholi said, "As his remarks have been misconstrued and wrongly presented, I'm withdrawing my statement with a good intention that it should not create confusion among the public. If that statement has hurt anyone's feelings, I express my regret."

Jarkiholi, while speaking at Nippani in Belagavi district during an event organised by "Manav Bandhutva Vedike' on Sunday, had claimed that the word 'Hindu' is Persian and has a very dirty meaning. -- PTI

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