Mumbai,UPDATED: Aug 21, 2023 21:13 IST
Maharashtra’s Minister of Tribal Welfare Vijaykumar Gavit stoked a controversy by saying that people who consume fish on a regular basis have “eyes as beautiful” as those of actor Aishwarya Rai.
Speaking at a public event in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district, Gavit said in Marathi, “People who consume fish on a daily basis develop smooth skin and their eyes sparkle. If anyone looks at you, the person will get attracted (towards you).
“Did I tell you about Aishwarya Rai? She lived near the seashore in Mangaluru. She would consume fish daily. Have you seen her eyes? You will also have eyes like her,” the minister said. A video of the minister’s remark went viral on social media.
“The fish contain some oils, it makes your skin smooth,” added the 68-year-old minister, whose daughter Heena Gavit is BJP’s Lok Sabha member.
NCP legislator Amol Mitkari said the minister should focus on issues faced by tribals, instead of making such “frivolous” comments.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane said, “I eat fish daily. My eyes should have become like that (like those of Aishwarya Rai). I will ask Gavit sahib if there is any research on this.”
With inputs from PTI