New Delhi: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb, known for his cheeky remarks, courted a huge controversy on Monday as he called Punjabis & Jats as being dim-witted. Deb took a U-turn from his remark within hours as opposition trained guns at him seeking an apology over the jibe. The Congress has termed chief minister's remarks "shameful and unfortunate". Also Read| Coronavirus: With Over 37K New Cases, Overall Tally Jumps Past 11.5 Lakh; More Than 28K Deaths So Far

In a tweet, Deb clarified his remarks and said: "I had mentioned the views of some people about my Punjabi and Jat brothers. My impression was not to hurt any society. I am proud of both Punjabi and Jat communities. I myself have lived among them for a long time.

Deb had said that Punjabis and Jats are physically strong but less brainy while Bengalis are known to be very intelligent. A video clip of Deb's statement went viral on social media.

Every community in India is known for its certain type and character, the BJP leader said while addressing a programme at the Agartala Press Club on Sunday. Do Read: Is N-95 Mask A Spreader In Disguise? Government Warns Against Face Covers With Valved Respirators

"For Bengal or Bengalis, it is said that one should not challenge them when it is regarding intelligence. Bengalis are known as very intelligent and it is their identity," Deb was heard saying in the clip.

Whereas, Punjabis and Jats are known for their physical strength, he said.

"When we talk about the people of Punjab, we say he's a Punjabi, a Sardar. They may have less intelligence but are very strong. One can't win them over by strength but with love,” he said.

Similarly, he  commented on Jats as well by saying “a large number of Jats live in Haryana. So what do people say about Jats? Jats are less intelligent but are very healthy. If one challenges a Jat, he will bring a gun from his house."

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, who hails from the Jat community, has said Deb has insulted the "Sikh brothers" of Punjab and the Jat community of Haryana.

"This is the BJP's lowly mindset.Why are Khattar ji and Dushyant Chautala silent? Where are Modi ji and Nadaji? Apologize, take action," Surjewala had tweeted.

A look at previous controversial statements of Biplab Deb:

In 2018, he said internet and satellite television existed in the time of the Mahabharata.

He had questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as "Miss World" in 1997 and alleged that international beauty pageants were a farce.

Last year, he claimed that Mughals intended to destroy the cultural wonders of the state by "bombing" its arts and architectures.

Also Watch: Tripura CM apologises for his controversial statement over Jats and Punjabis