from Special Correspondent
for Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Aug 20: Home minister Ravi Naik has refused to apologize for his reported anti-Bihari statements contending that his statement was 'misunderstood'.

"I never said that Biharis are beggars. Instead I said that the beggars from outside state usually come here by train and had referred to starting of a train from Patna. I did not mean that Biharis are beggars," Naik stated after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar demanded apology from State home minister.

Home minister participating in the ensuing state legislative session had said that scheduled Patna-Vasco train would increase the number of beggars in the state. The session was discussing the increasing number of beggars in the state and state government's apathy to control them.

Naik stated that union railway minister and Bihar's ex-chief minister Laloo Prasad Yadav called him up in the morning seeking details on his reported statement. "Laloo Prasad Yadav had called me and was asking about the reported statement. I clarified to him that the statement was not anti-Bihari and was misunderstood by the media," the home minister said.

Home minister's statement had kicked-off a major controversy with Bihar's chief minister demanding an unconditional apology from him for having hurt the sensibilities of the people of the state.

"Coming from a person occupying the responsible post of a minister in a state, the remark is deplorable and should be condemned by all. The remark should be withdrawn immediately and the minister should tender an unqualified apology to the people of Bihar," Kumar told reporters in Patna.

Main Opposition party in the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commenting on the controversy said that the home minister should clarify on his statement on the floor of the house. "We had sought clarification on the issue on the floor itself when Naik uttered it. I don't agree with his statement. Maximum numbers of IAS officers are from Bihar," leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar said.

He termed Naik's statement as 'side remark' which needs further clarification. "Biharis have earned reputation outside the country and it is the state with knowledgeable people," Parrikar said.