Road like Hema Malini’s cheek: Minister

MUMBAI: A controversy has erupted over Maharashtra minister and senior Shiv Sena leader Gulabrao Patil’s remarks comparing the streets of Jalgaon district to the cheeks of actress Hema Malini. Taking a tough stand, the State Women’s Commission asked the minister to apologize for his statement. However, after the State Women’s Commission took a tough stand, the minister apologized for his statement.

The video of Patil’s purported remarks has gone viral on social media. The minister made the alleged remarks while addressing an election meeting during the recent Bodhwad Nagar Panchayat elections in the district. During his speech, Patil asked his opponents to visit his constituency and see good quality roads there.

In a veiled attack on former BJP leader Eknath Khadse, who was MLA from Jalgaon seat for several years, state water supply minister Patil said, “Those who were MLAs for 30 years, they should come to my assembly constituency and see the roads.” If these are not like Hema Malini’s cheeks then I will resign.

At the same time, State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar took cognizance of Minister Patil’s remarks and warned of legal action against him if he did not apologize for his remarks. However, after the State Women’s Commission took a tough stand, the minister apologized for his statement.