Bhopal: Statement of BJP national general secretary and Madhya Pradesh party in charge, P. Murulidhar Rao statement triggered huge controversy, Mr. Rao stated that Brahmin and Baniya communities are in his pockets.

BJP leader came under attack from the Congress, opposition parties demanded an apology from the BJP leader, but Mr. Rao claimed that opposition parties have distorted his statement.

While addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Mr. Rao said that the BJP government is giving special focus to SCs and STs considering the backwardness of the community. He also said that the BJP government is keen to provide employment and education to deprived classes.

When journalists asked about the party’s perception about Brahmins and Baniyas, if the party gives special thrust to SCs, STs and backward classes at a time party’s slogan is sabka saath, sabka vikas, then BJP leader showed his kurta’s pockets said that Brahmins and Baniyas are in my pockets... You (media people) termed us a Brahmin and Baniya party when most workers and vote bank was from these sections.", Mr. Rao said.

"When the number of people belonging to certain sections was higher, people used to say the party belongs to them. We are working to add more people from the SC/ST sections to our party after finding their lower representation. We are reaching out to all and making the BJP a party for every section," he said.

After Rao’s controversial remarks surfaced in social media, Congress President Kamal Nath hit out at BJP leader and demanded for his apology.

This is an insult of these sections as the BJP is claiming its right over them. What kind of respect is given to these classes whose leaders have played an important role in building the BJP? BJP leaders have become arrogant due to power," Mr. Kamal Nath said.