Sarma's remark an abuse to cancer patients, says Congress

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 23 2017 | 11:50 PM IST
The Congress today accused Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of abusing cancer patients with his remark that life-threatening diseases were a result of past sins and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi when will he be sacked.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also charged Modi with tacitly supporting "lampooning" of the brave hearts who fight cancer.
"#SerialAbuserBJP Now, BJP Minister & Convenor abuses India's cancer patients & their families. Mr. PM, as you tacitly support such lampooning of the brave hearts who fight cancer every second of their life, when will you act and sack such elements?" Surjewala posted on Twitter.
Addressing a function where appointment letters were distributed to teachers here yesterday, Sarma had said, "God makes us suffer when we sin. Sometimes we come across young men getting inflicted with cancer or young men meeting with accidents. If you observe the background you will come to know that it's divine justice. Nothing else. We have to suffer that divine justice."
However, earlier today Sarma said he was quoted out of context and apologised to those hurt by the "absolutely mindless controversy triggered by few political desperados".

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First Published: Nov 23 2017 | 11:50 PM IST

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