PM Modi defends Sadanandan Master amid Rajya Sabha controversy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday came out in defence of nominated MP C Sadanandan Master, who earlier this week displayed his artificial limbs in the Rajya Sabha during his maiden speech.
The dramatic episode in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, when Sadanandan Master placed his artificial limbs on the table, triggered a sharp exchange with CPI(M) leaders and a point of order. The Kerala-based school teacher-turned-politician recounted how his legs were severed in an attack three decades ago, which he attributed to CPI(M) workers.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Modi said, “Due to political animosity his legs were cut in his youth. He has spent his life with that, but his values are so high, he never uses foul language. Yesterday during his maiden speech, when he displayed his artificial limbs, the scene was painful for the country.”
Blaming the INDI alliance, Modi added, “Due to ideological differences, a teacher, a youth, his legs were chopped, and they have no regrets.”
Modi launched a strong defence of BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to him as “my traitor friend” in the Lok Sabha. Modi accused the Congress of harbouring “hatred” towards Sikhs and said the remark amounted to an insult to the community and its Gurus.
Referring to the incident, Modi said, “A sharp brain of Congress called a member of this House a traitor. This is the peak of arrogance. He called the MP a traitor because he is Sikh. It was an insult of Sikhs, Gurus, and showed the hatred against Sikhs that the Congress has.”
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when Gandhi’s remark against Union Minister Bittu sparked uproar, with the BJP demanding action from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and accusing the Congress of insulting the Sikh community.
PTI