Dama Rout seeks apology for his 'beggar' remarks on Brahmins

Bhubaneswar: After drawing flak for his 'beggar' remarks on Brahmins, Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout sought an apology through a video uploaded on social media.

Rout posted a video on his Facebook page saying, he is sorry for insulting Brahmins and that the meaning of his words was changed .

"The Brahmins belong to the upper caste in our religion. We respect them and provide them with alms during need as begging is their tradition. I have not insulted the Brahmins, but have said they are a superior caste, their blessing is a virtue. Therefore, we provide them with alms to earn virtue.  Our culture instructs us to respect them. Am I not a part of the culture? The wrong message has spread because of political reasons," said Rout.

It may be mentioned here that Rout, while attending a function in Malkangiri recently, stated that tribals never ask for anything; rather Brahmins beg for alms, if situation arises.

Protesting his remarks, a group of Brahmins staged a protest against Minister Rout in Puri on Wednesday demanding his suspension. The activists under the banner of Odisha Vedic Brahmana Parisad and Mukti Mandap Brahman Mahasabha staged a demonstration by burning effigies of the Minister. They had also warned that they would intensify their protest in coming days.