Aishwarya Rai. The video of the remarks, made by Maharashtra tribal minister Vijaykumar Gavit at a public function in Nandurbar district, north Maharashtra, has gained widespread attention on social media.
Minister Gavit's said, «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.» Gavit, whose daughter Heena Gavit is a BJP Lok Sabha member, further explained, «The fish contain some oils, it makes your skin smooth.»
However, the remarks drew criticism from various quarters.
NCP legislator Amol Mitkari criticized the minister for diverting attention from pressing tribal issues to «frivolous» comments. MLA Nitesh Rane responded, «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.»
Later in the day, Rupali Chakankar, the Maharashtra Women's Commission chief, called upon Minister Gavit to provide an explanation within three days regarding his comments. Chakankar expressed concern about the impact of such statements on society and emphasized the responsibility of public representatives in shaping public opinion. Her official letter, posted on social media, read, «You should submit your clarification in three days before the state women's commission.