Tripura CM Biplab Deb has once again triggered a controversy with his remarks on Haryana’s Jat community and Punjab’s Sardars (Sikhs) that they are “low minded” compared to the Bengalis. A video of the Tripura CM’s speech at an Agartala Press Club event has gone viral on social media with the Opposition party demanding action against him for “insulting Sikhs and Jats”.
“If we talk about the people of Punjab, we say, he’s a Punjabi, a Sardar. The Sardar isn’t afraid of anyone. They are very strong but have less brains. One can’t win them over with strength but with love and affection. Let me tell you about the Jats of Haryana. So how do people talk about Jats they say Jats are less intelligent but are very physically healthy. If you challenge a Jat, he will bring his gun out of his house,” said Biplab Deb while speaking at an .
“For Bengal or Bengalis, it is said that one shouldn’t challenge them with regards to intelligence. Bengalis are known as very intelligent and it is their identity in India every community is known with a certain type and character,” he said further.
Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, who himself hails from Haryana, took offense and termed Deb’s remarks “a BJP mindset”. He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haryana CM Manoharlal Khattar and BJP President JP Nadda to break their silence and apologise for their leader’s remark.
“Shameful and unfortunate. BJP Chief Minister, Tripura, Biplab Dev insulted the Sikh brothers of Punjab and the Jat community of Haryana, calling them “low minded”, This is the right mindset of the BJP. Why are Khattarji and Dushyant Chautala chupp (silent)? Where are Modiji and Naddaji (the BJP President)? Apologise, take action,” Surjewala tweeted.
