Gujarat Polls: Paresh Rawal apologises for ‘cook fish for Bengalis’ remark

Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal has landed in a controversy over his ‘cook fish for Bengalis’ remark while campaigning in Gujarat for BJP.

At a rally, Rawal spoke to the people about LPG cylinder price hikes and unemployment, two issues on which Congress and AAP have repeatedly attacked the BJP.

"Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?" he said.

The ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ actor’s remarks did not go well with many and he was accused of hurting the sentiments of Bengali people. Rawal was attacking Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party, which rules Delhi.

Many saw it as ‘hate speech’ against Bengali people. Others described it as ‘xenophobic dog-whistling against Rohingyas.

Amidst the backlash and criticism, the ‘OMG: Oh My God!’ actor took to Twitter and gave a clarification over his remarks and apologize.

In response to a user asking him to "clarify", the actor wrote, "of course, the fish is not the issue AS GUJARATIS DO COOK AND EAT FISH. BUT LET ME CLARIFY BY BENGALI I MEANT ILLEGAL BANGLA DESHI N ROHINGYA. BUT STILL IF I HAVE HURT YOUR FEELINGS AND SENTIMENTS I DO APOLOGISE."

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra also took a potshot at the actor by saying he should ‘have brains like Bengalis’.

On the work front, Paresh Rawal will be seen in the action-drama flick - ‘Shehzada’ alongside Kartik Aaryan.

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