After Union Minister Sujana Chowdary mocked the proposed protest at Vizag's RK Beach on Thursday demanding special status to Andhra, he has apologised for his comments He had earlier compared the protests seeking Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh to cockfights and pig races.
The TDP leader was quoted by Deccan Chronicle as saying, “If anyone was hurt with my words, I am sorry, and I had no bad intention.”
He also asked Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan to distinguish between financial frauds and financial difficulties.
“I have been in business for the last 30 years. I have paid huge amounts to the government in the form of taxes,” he added.
The apology reportedly came after AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu told Chowdary to be more “careful” while speaking on sensitive issues.
"One should mind the language while speaking on public issues. Especially on sensitive issues like special category status, one should not let one's words pain others," Naidu was quoted as saying.
Naidu is also reported to have told Chowdary that the opposition party leaders can say what they want, but the ruling party had to be more careful.
On Thursday, calling the issue a closed chapter, Chowdary said, “I don't understand how jallikattu protests became an inspiration to these people. If they are really fond of jallikattu, let them go and play the game. They are free to take part in cock fights too. If not satisfied, they can go and take part in pig fight competitions.”
His statement attracted huge criticism from Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and several people supporting Special Status.
Pawan Kalyan tweeted that comparing special status with pig races was painful and that the comment would provoke the youth.
Many took to social media to criticize his comment. Some even asked him what the benefit of special package was, over special status.