Haryana CM Khattar retracts his recent controversial statement, says was 'misconstrued'

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, October 8

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday retracted his controversial “pick up sticks” remark, saying it was "misconstrued" and he did not have any ill-intention against anyone..

Khattar, who paid obeisance at Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula on the second day of the Navratri festival on Friday, said he had no malicious intent against anyone but made the statement "in context of self-defence".

“I want to tell my farmer brothers who are hurt by my statement that I am taking back my statement. I don’t want any sort of law-and-order situation to be created in Haryana which may disturb peace,” he said, adding that everyone has the right to hold a protest in a peaceful manner.

In a recent video, the Chief Minister was seen advising the party cadre for a “tit-for-tat action against the farmers” opposing the farm laws in Haryana.

CM Khattar was accompanied by Haryana Speaker and Panchkula MLA Gian Chand Gupta during his visit to the temple.

Khattar also said he won’t be attending a programme of the Aggarwal community in Kaithal as farmers have said they will oppose his visit.

The protesting farmers have said they have no objection if a BJP leader from the community attends the event, the CM said.

“Speaker Gian Chand Gupta will attend the event on my behalf,” he said.

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