Paresh Rawal apologises for remark on 'Bengalis' made during BJP campaign in Gujarat

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal on Friday apologised for his statement linking gas cylinders, Bengalis and fish at a campaign speech in Gujarat, saying his reference was to illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.

Rawal, in a speech he made on Tuesday, was quoted as saying: "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?".

Following a backlash on social media, the 'Hera Pheri' actor apologised for his remarks, clarifying that he was referring to 'illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas."


"Of course the fish is not the issue as Gujaratis do cook and eat fish. But let me clarify by Bengali I meant illegal Bangladeshi N Rohingya. But still if I have hurt your feelings and sentiments I do apologise," the 67-year-old actor and former BJP MP wrote on Twitter.

Many on Twitter called the actor out, terming his comments xenophobic and hateful speech, after which the actor took to the micro-blogging site to apologise.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra was among those who took him on over his speech

"Actually Kemchho Slapstickman need not have apologised. The 2nd part of Cook Fish like Bengalis is 'Have Brains like Bengalis'. Most nobel laureates than any other Indian state, buddy boy…," she posted to Twitter.

Rawal had made the comment while taking up the issue of gas cylinder prices, an emotive poll issue, at a BJP rally in Valsad district .

"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?" Rawal had said.

The first phase of the Gujarat assembly elections were held on Thursday and the second phase will take place on December 5. The votes will be counted on December 8.