Udaipur, 29 December (Udaipur Kiran) – Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria has publicly apologized for his controversial remarks related to Maharana Pratap. He expressed regret if the words he used, such as “bringing Pratap to life,” hurt anyone’s feelings and sought forgiveness. Kataria clarified that he had no such intention and that his words were misunderstood.

The controversy arose after his speech at a foundation stone laying event in Dhooli Ghati, Gogunda, on 22 December. In his address, Kataria said Maharana Pratap’s name did not receive the expected prominence during the Congress rule, whereas during the Janata Party’s tenure, his life and historic sites gained new recognition and prominence. Several social organizations objected to this statement, and a case was also reported involving threats made on social media by Raj Shekhawat, National President of the Kshatriya Karni Sena.

In a video message, the Governor said his aim was to bring Maharana Pratap’s bravery, sacrifice, and glory to every home and village. He recalled that after becoming an MLA, he had urged then Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to approve the Mewar Complex Plan, which facilitated the development of historic sites like Kumbhalgarh, Gogunda, Chawand, and Haldighati. Kataria affirmed his complete and unwavering respect for Maharana Pratap and appealed to the public to listen to his entire speech in context.