Tripura CM Biplab Deb Stirs a Row, Says ‘Punjabis, Jats Physically Strong But Have Less Brains’
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb. Image Courtesy: PTI
Kolkata: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb has courted yet another controversy by saying Punjabis (mainly Sikhs) and Jats are physically strong but less brainy, while Bengalis are known as very intelligent.
Every community in India is known with a certain type and character, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said while addressing a programme at Agartala Press Club on Sunday.
A video clip of the chief minister's statement has gone viral on social media.
"For Bengal or Bengalis, it is said that one should not challenge them when it is regarding intelligence. Bengalis are known as very intelligent and it is their identity," Deb was heard saying in the clip.
Whereas, Punjabis and Jats are known for their physical strength, he said.
"When we talk about the people of Punjab, we say he's a Punjabi, a Sardar. They may have less intelligence but are very strong. One can't win them over by strength but with love and affection. A large number of Jats live in Haryana. So what do people say about Jats? Jats are less intelligent but are very healthy. If one challenges a Jat, he will bring a gun from his house," Deb said.
The chief minister had created controversies earlier also.
In 2018, he said internet and satellite television existed in the time of the Mahabharata.
The BJP leader had also questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as "Miss World" in 1997 and alleged that international beauty pageants were a farce.
Last year, Deb claimed that Mughals intended to destroy the cultural wonders of the state by "bombing" its arts and architectures.
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