Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has formally apologised for the controversy sparked by his recent comments concerning the legendary Rajput king, Maharana Pratap. The apology came via a video statement released on Monday, following significant backlash from various Rajput groups and political organisations.
What Did the Governor Say?
During a public event held at Dhuli Ghati in Gogunda, Udaipur, on December 22, Kataria made statements that many found contentious. He asserted that the Janata Party, which formed the government in 1977, was the first political entity to revive the legacy of Maharana Pratap. Furthermore, he claimed credit for initiating development works in key historical sites associated with the warrior king's life.
"It was due to my initiative as an MLA that development activities began in Kumbhalgarh, Gogunda, Chavand, and Haldighati," Kataria had stated, referring to places deeply connected to Maharana Pratap's history.
Backlash and the Video Apology
The remarks did not sit well with several communities and organisations, leading to protests across Rajasthan. The situation escalated when Raj Shekhawat, the national president of the Kshatriya Karni Sena, issued death threats to the Governor on social media platforms.
In response to the growing fury, Kataria released a video message. He earnestly requested the public to listen to his entire speech from the event rather than excerpts. "I request everyone to listen to my speech from beginning to end. If the words, 'We revived Pratap', hurt anyone, I apologise. I had no such intention," he said in his apology.
Clarifying Intentions and Political Dig
In his defence, the Punjab Governor clarified that his primary intention was to highlight efforts to popularise the tales of Maharana Pratap's valour across households. He took a political jab, stating that this was something the Congress party never accomplished during its long tenure.
"My intention was to highlight the work of taking stories of Maharana Pratap's valour to every home, which the Congress never did," Kataria explained in his video statement, attempting to reframe the narrative around his original comments.
The incident underscores the sensitive nature of historical narratives and iconography in Indian politics, especially in Rajasthan where figures like Maharana Pratap are held in the highest esteem. The Governor's apology aims to quell the unrest, though the reactions from the protesting groups remain to be fully seen.
