Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb apologizes for statement comparing Bengalis with Jats and Punjabis
Tripura Chief Minister Deb on Tuesday apologized via twitter account for his statements comparing Punjabis and Jats with Bengalis and said he did not intend to hurt sentiments.
The chief minister sought forgiveness for his remarks and said many of his friends were Punjabis and Jats, and he is proud of people hailing from the two communities.
The chief minister sought forgiveness for his remarks and said many of his friends were Punjabis and Jats, and he is proud of people hailing from the two communities.
“I always salute the contributions of the Punjabi and Jat communities in the freedom struggle of the country. And I can never imagine raising questions on the role played by these two communities in advancing India,” Deb tweeted
A video clip of the chief minister’s statement had gone viral on social media, in which he has stirred up the controversy by saying that Punjabis and Jats are physically strong but less brainy, while Bengalis are known to be very intelligent.
The Bharatiya Janata Party leader, while addressing a program at the Agartala Press Club on Sunday, had said that every community in India is known for its types and characteristics.
“For Bengal or Bengalis, it is said that one should not challenge them when it is regarding intelligence. Bengalis are known as very intelligent and it is their identity,” the Tripura CM was heard saying in the clip
Whereas Punjabis and Jats are known for their physical strength, he said.
“When we talk about the people of Punjab, we say he’s a Punjabi, a Sardar. They may have less intelligence but are very strong. One can’t win them over by strength but with love and affection. A large number of Jats live in Haryana. So what do people say about Jats? Jats are less intelligent but are very healthy. If one challenges a Jat, he will bring a gun from his house,” Deb said.
Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb is known for courting controversies.
- In 2018, he said Internet and satellite television existed in the time of the Mahabharata.
- He had questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as “Miss World” in 1997 and alleged that international beauty pageants were a farce.
- Last year, he claimed that Mughals intended to destroy the cultural wonders of the state by “bombing” its arts and architecture.