PM Narendra Modi summons Tripura CM Biplab Deb over his string of controversial remarks
Deb, who took charge of Tripura last month, has made several remarks which have been triggered widespread criticism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly summoned Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb who has issued a string of controversial remarks recently putting the party in a tight spot. A senior BJP leader on Sunday said Deb has been summoned to meet PM Modi and party president Amit Shah on May 2 in the New Delhi.
"Senior party leaders are miffed over the controversies triggered by Deb's statements. Deb is just saying anything and everything. Modi will talk to him," IANS quoted a senior party leader, as saying.
Deb, who took charge of Tripura last month, has made several remarks which have been triggered widespread criticism.
Speaking at an event in Agartala on Saturday (April 28), Deb suggested the educated youth of his state to consider opening a paan shop or breed cows rather than running behind government jobs.
The Tripura CM said youth should try and become self-employed by starting various projects under the animal resource sector with bank loans, under the Prime Minister's Mudra scheme.
"The youth here runs after political parties for several years to get a govt job and wastes the vital time of their life, had the same youth instead of running after parties set up a paan shop he would have by now had a bank balance of Rs 5 lakhs," said Deb.
Earlier this week, CM Biplab Deb courted controversy by making a comment on former Miss World Diana Hayden's skin colour. Questioning the rationale behind crowning Diana Hayden “Miss World”, Deb had said. He said Aishwarya Rai, who won the Miss World crown in 1994, “represents the Indian women in the true sense".
"I was talking about how the handlooms of the state could be marketed well. If anybody is hurt or feeling defamed, I regret for this... I respect all women as my mother," Deb later said apoligising for his remarks.
A day later, Biplab Deb stoked another controversy suggesting that civil engineers are better suited for civil services as compared to mechanical engineers.
"Those who are from a mechanical engineering background should not opt for civil services. Society has to be built up. Civil engineers have this knowledge... Because those in the administration have to build society," he said at an event.
Also read: Now, Tripura CM Biplab Deb suggests mechanical engineers should not join civil services
Earlier this month, the Tripura CM made a statement which not only left the BJP red-faced but gave the Congress and other opposition parties target him.
CM Deb had claimed that internet and satellite communication existed in the days of Mahabharata.
"The Europeans and the Americans may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually our technology. Internet and satellite system had existed during the lakhs of years ago. How could Dhritarashtra see through Sanjay's eyes? There was technology available at that time... Internet was there, satellite communication was there," Deb had said.
Watch: Internet existed during Mahabharata period, says Tripura CM Biplab Deb