Voicing concern over the role of growing money power in politics and those with criminal backgrounds being more popular, Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy today took a dig at RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, saying whom he defeated are more widely known than him.
"Should one have some criminal background to be widely known among the people? Many of you may not know me or my Lok Sabha constituency even though I am in politics for 30 years and have been a member of Bihar Assembly, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha for 6 terms.
"You would know better whom I have defeated. I have defeated Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi to be elected to Lok Sabha and you know them well for obvious reasons. This is the real threat to democracy," Rudy, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said.
Rudy was speaking at the felicitation function of the winners of the 12th National Youth Parliament Competition here.
Rudy expressed concern over those with money power and criminal backgrounds getting elected now more and more and stressed on the need to check such people from entering legislatures.
The Minister emphasised on the need for promotion of clean politics, devoid of any undesirable influences and considerations.
Meanwhile, he urged the students to play their part in promoting clean politics stating that good politicians are required for nation building.
Jadavpur University, Kolkata won the 12th National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities and Colleges conducted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Thirty institutions from across the country participated in the competition.
Merit Trophies were presented to : Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Port Blair and Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management, Sivsagar, Assam.
