Mumbai: Maharashtra tribal minister Vijaykumar Gavit is facing the heat over his comments about eating fish to get eyes like Aishwarya Rai with the state commission for women serving a notice to him asking for a response within three days.
Maharashtra Women’s Commission chief Rupali Chakankar has asked Gavit to submit an explanation in three days about his comments. A letter uploaded by her on social media read, “Videos have gone viral in which you have made insulting comments against women. There have been reactions to your comments in society. People’s representatives should be cautious of their comments as it creates a long lasting impression on the society.”
The letter added, “You (Gavit) should submit your clarification in three days before the state women’s commission. A state’s progress is defined on the status of women and their safety.”
Addressing an event in Nandurbar district a couple of days back, Gavit had sparked a row by asking people to consume fish regularly to have ‘smooth skin and sparkling eyes’ as those of actress Aishwarya Rai Bacchan.
“You must have seen the eyes of Aishwarya Rai. How beautiful they are. She grew up in the coastal area of Mangalore in Karnataka. She used to eat fish regularly and that’s why she has so beautiful eyes,” said Gavit.
“There are two benefits of eating fish. Women will look good by eating fish and eyes also look sparkling. Anyone who looks at them gets enticed easily. The fish also contains some oils, it makes your skin smooth,” he added.
Facing backlash, Gavit later issued a clarification stating, “Since I was addressing the tribals, it was important for me to provide them with an ideal example. The media has taken it out of context. I, too, have daughters and Aishwarya is like my daughter. She is a reasonable woman and would understand that explaining the benefits of fish oil isn’t simple. The fish in the Arabian Sea is a rich source of omega-3, which is essential for dry eyes, glaucoma and overall health.”
However, neither Aishwarya Rai nor her team has yet reacted to the controversial remarks made by the minister.
