People have got into habit of ‘begging’ from government, says MP minister Prahlad Patel

Rajgarh: Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Singh Patel has said people have got into the habit of “begging” from the government, and advised them to learn for those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

The former Union minister’s remarks come amid a debate over political parties rolling out freebies to win elections.

“Those who sacrificed their lives for the country...why did they do so? If we try to imbibe their values in our lives, our lives will also be successful, and perhaps we will be able to give something back to the society, “ the state panchayat and rural development minister on Saturday said addressing a gathering after unveiling the statue of Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi at Suthaliya town in Rajgarh district.

Avanti Bai, the queen-ruler and freedom fighter, sacrificed her life while fighting against the British rule on March 20, 1858. She was the queen of Ramgarh (now Dindori) in Madhya Pradesh.

“People have fallen into a habit of taking from society. Now, they have even become accustomed to begging from the government,” Patel said.

“Whenever leaders come in the midst of people, they are handed over a pile of demand letters. Politicians are garlanded on stage, and then they are handed over a demand letter. This is not a good habit,” he said.

Instead of always taking, develop a mindset of giving, the BJP leader said.

“I can confidently say that if you do this, you will be happier and help build a cultured society,” Patel said.

He said “assembling an army of beggars” does not strengthen society, rather weakens it.

“The more we are drawn to free things...that is not honouring our brave warriors,” the minister said.

A true tribute to a martyr is to abide by their principles, Patel said, adding he can say with certainty that no martyr has ever begged for anything from anyone.