Politicians in power need to be extremely cautious with regards to the statements they make in public. Several politicians have time and again made off-the-cuff remarks on rape cases which have drawn strong reaction from the public.
Statements made by those in power have an impact on the citizens, especially those belonging to the younger generation. Hence a statement made by the Rajasthan Health Minister Prasadi Lal Meena has stirred up a controversy.
The Health Minister reportedly said that tobacco is not the only reason behind people suffering from cancer because there are people who consume tobacco but do not get cancer.
His statement that tobacco, bidi and cancer have no link and those who do not consume tobacco become cancer patients has been condemned by organizations working against tobacco.
Ironically these remarks were made by the minister at Jaipur on World Cancer Day. These comments totally reject facts established by scientific evidence all over the world.
According to WHO, tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20 different types of cancer and many debilitating health conditions.
Several organizations working against tobacco have reportedly asked the minister to withdraw the statement or to resign from his post. This is a serious matter given the fact that it can have a negative impact on the youth who are addicted to tobacco.
These youngsters will be encouraged to carry on with the vice of tobacco consumption instead of giving it up.
