BJP CM Biplab Deb Calls Jats, Sardars 'Low Minded', Clarifies Later; Congress Demands Apology

Tripura CM Biplab Deb has once again triggered a controversy withhis remarks on Haryana's Jat community and Punjab's Sardars (Sikhs) that theyare "low minded" compared to the Bengalis. A video of the TripuraCM'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 andJats".

"If we talk about the people of Punjab, we say, he's a Punjabi, a Sardar. The Sardar isn't afraid ofanyone. 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.

"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.

The Tripura CM later clarified his remarks and said that he had mentioned the views of some people about Punjabis and Jats.

"In an event organized at Agartala Press Club, I had mentioned the views of some people about my Punjabi and Jat brothers. My impression was not to hurt any society. I am proud of both Punjabi and Jat communities. I myself have lived among them for a long time," he said.

https://english.jagran.com/india/bjp-cm-biplab-deb-calls-jats-sardars-low-minded-congress-demands-apology-action-10014220