Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar's remarks on how the British dealt with icons of Indian freedom struggle touched off a controversy on Tuesday, forcing him to issue a clarification.
Mr. Javadekar's comments in Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) allegedly 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, Mr. Javadekar said, “I am amused with the news. I paid my respect to all the freedom fighters since 1857.
“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.”
