Actor and former MP Paresh Rawal has apologized after courting controversy and backlash over his “Cook fish for Bengalis” remark at a rally in Gujarat’s Valsad. Rawal had said that the people of Gujarat were ready to bear the price rise, but not the Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis living in the neighbourhood.
The actor and former MP said in a video that is now going viral, “Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will also get employment. But what if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you like in Delhi? What will you do with the gas cylinder? Make fish for Bengalis?”
He also targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that he would fly to the state in a private plane and travel in a rickshaw to show off. Rawal alleged that Kejriwal offered Biryani at Shaheen Bagh.
Soon after his remarks, Rawal was condemned on Twitter for his remarks. TMC spokesperson Nilanjan Das wrote, “Bengali = Illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants! Thank you, Paresh Rawal, for clarifying the BJP’s mindset towards one of India’s largest ethnic-speaking communities.
Here are some other reactions to Rawal’s controversial remarks
Responding to a user, Rawal wrote, ‘Of course fish is not an issue as Gujaratis cook and eat fish. But let me make it clear from Bengali that I mean illegal Bangla native n Rohingya. But still if I have hurt your sentiments and feelings then I apologise.” The user wrote, ‘Fish should not have been a topic. He needs to be clarified.
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