Biplab Deb apologizes over his comment on Jat and Punjabis

Courtesy: The Gulf Indians
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday landed himself in a controversy after his comments on a video that Jats and Punjabis has less intelligence comparing to the intellectual Bengalis. However hours after the video started circulating, Mr. Biplab took a U-turn and apologized via Twitter for his shocking comments. In his apology he said his comments were misinterpreted and that he is proud of the two communities.

“I had expressed thoughts about my Punjabi and Jat brothers at an event in Agartala Press Club recently. I didn’t intend to hurt any community. I am proud of both Punjabi and Jat communities. I myself have spent a lot of time with them,” Mr.Deb tweeted as a mark of apology.

“Many of my close friends are from these communities. If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I personally seek apology for that,” he further tweeted.

In another tweet, he said that he was aware of these communities’ immense contributions to the country’s freedom struggle and would never doubt their role behind India’s growth story.

Meanwhile, the Congress termed the Chief Minister’s remarks “shameful and unfortunate”. This 50 second video was circulated by Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala who claimed that Biplab Deb has insulted the Punjab and Jat community. He also described the comments of the Chief Minister as an indicative of the “mindset of the BJP”.

In the video, he is shown making the remarks that Jats are blessed with less intellect, but are healthy, while Bengalis, a community to which he belongs, are known for their intellectual prowess.

“In Haryana, there are Jats. Let me tell you about them. Jats are less intelligent, but are physically healthy. While for Bengalis, it is said that they should not be challenged regarding their intelligence. They are known for their intelligence across the country,” Deb addressed this observation at a programme in Agartala Press Club.

Bijan Dhar, a local veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader, termed CM Deb’s statement as “objectionable” “racist”.

“This kind of statement is objectionable. It’s a racial slur to divide the people of this country. It poses a threat to the union and the integrity of our nation. However, if this news is, indeed, fake, then he must counter it publicly,” Dhar said.

The BJP party, however, jumped to CM Deb’s defence.