Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal is campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Gujarat elections. But he has been embroiled in controversy over a comment he made about Bengalis during the campaign. He gave such a statement linking expensive gas cylinders to Bengalis that he became a victim of criticism, after which he has now apologised.
In fact, Paresh Rawal had said during his speech that the people of Gujarat would tolerate the price rise but not the neighboring Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. Since then he was facing criticisms.
He had said, “Gas cylinders are expensive but they 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?”
Further, he had said that Gujarat can tolerate inflation, but not this. The way opponents abuse, one needs to wear a diaper over his mouth. The actor did not name anyone in the rally, but his target was on Arvind Kejriwal.
He said, “He comes by private plane and sits here in a rickshaw to show off. We have spent our whole life in acting but have not seen such a gimmick. He served Biryani in Shaheen Bagh.” The comments did not go down well with many. The actor was accused of hurting the sentiments of Bengali people with his words.
At the same time, some people called Paresh Rawal’s statement for Bengalis as hate speech.
However, while apologizing for his statement, Paresh Rawal said, “Of course fish is not an issue and people of Gujarat also cook fish. But I want to make my point clear. Here I mean illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. But still, if my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I apologise.”