People's Democracy

NPRD Criticises Sangma’s Remarks

THROUGH a statement issued from New Delhi on July 7, the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) strongly criticised the views expressed by presidential candidate, P A Sangma, at Ahmedabad on July 6, 2012, while on a campaign tour.

When asked about his views on the top post, the BJP backed candidate is reported to have remarked that  “India should have a President, who is not blind, dumb and deaf. India should have a thinking and a functional president.”

If the reported remarks are true, the NPRD said they reflected very poorly on a candidate who is aspiring to the topmost office of the country. It is unbecoming of a person contesting to become the first citizen of the country to express such insensitivity and callousness, even while lashing out at his rival. The language used to deride one’s rival cannot be tempered with phrases that are clearly derogatory in nature. In a sweeping remark, the presidential aspirant has deemed persons with disabilities as being unfit to hold the office of the president.

While strongly protesting against such unwanted remarks, the NPRD called upon for an unqualified apology from Shri Sangma for his insulting remarks.

The text of the report, which appeared in the Shillong Times is available on the latter’s website at the following link: