Paresh Rawal apologises for 'cook fish for Bengalis' remark during Gujarat campaign speech

The apology came after a huge backlash from the Bengali community and some others on social media.

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal on December 2 apologised for his statement linking gas cylinders, Bengalis and fish during a campaign speech in Gujarat, saying his reference was to illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.

The apology came after a huge backlash from the Bengali community and some others on social media.

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"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.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra didn't seem too impressed. "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 on Twitter.

Mr. Rawal had taken up the issue of gas cylinder prices, an emotive poll issue, at a BJP rally in Valsad district on Tuesday.