"Chappal" remark was a mistake, it will not be repeated: U T Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 28, 2017 :  State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader has said that his ’chappal’ remark was a mistake and assured that such mistakes would not recur.

Speaking to reporters at Circuit House here on February 28, Tuesday, Khader said    the reaction on his part was spontaneous as he was deeply hurt by the incidents in his home constituency. He also stated that some anti-social elements  who do not want peace were at work in his constituency. He also made it clear that his statement did not intend at  hurting anyone.

 "I did not intend to target any individual or organisation but it was really wrong to call for a bundh and oppose the visit of a chief minister to our district. I had told that  none had protested when the Pak prime minister visited the country, but  some organisations resorted to unconstitutional means to thwart the visit of a chief minister, he said.

 Giving a bundh call and then resorting to violence is against Constitution, Khader said.

He further stated that even his daughter, senior leader Janardhan Poojary as well as his friends had opposed his ’chappal’ remarks. Making it clear that he  did not support the CPI(M)  Khader said that it was the duty of the district to ensure total security to the Kerala CM who visited the city.

On Janardhana Poojary criticising him, Khader said  he greatly respected Poojary. "He is my mentor and has special regards for me," said Khader.