The Minister of Health of the Indian state of Assam believes that serious illnesses, such as cancer, are "punishing a person for their sins."

"This is a manifestation of divine justice. Nothing more, "- quotes Lenta.ru Minister Khimanta Biswa Sarma, referring to The Times of India.

According to him, those who suffer from fatal ailments pay either for their own sins, "committed in this or in a past life," or for the misdeeds of their parents. "This is stated in the Bhagavad Gita and in the Bible," he added.

The words of the politician caused a flurry of criticism from local residents suffering from cancer. Many said that Sarma had hurt not only them, but also their relatives. The leader of the local opposition called on the minister to publicly apologize for his words.