Gandhinagar: Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai has issued an apology after his remarks sparked anger within the Koli Community. In his apology, Kanubhai Desai clarified that his intention was never to hurt the sentiments of the Koli community. He stated that the phrase spoken in Valsad’s local language was presented in a clumsy manner and apologized if it caused offense.

“I have been associated socially and politically with Valsad’s Koli Community, and I have also been active in supporting the welfare initiatives of the community. A portion of my speech in the Valsadi language during the Koli Samaj Samelan on the evening of 14th April, where leaders of the community were also present, was circulated in the wrong manner. I can assure you that if the full speech is heard, no sentiment would be hurt. Still, if my statement has hurt any sentiment, then I wholeheartedly apologize,” Desai said.

The controversial statement by Kanu Desai had prompted Munna Bavaliya, a leader of the Koli community, to demand a public apology. Bavaliya expressed outrage at the alleged controversial remarks made during the election campaign, stressing the significant voting power of the Koli community. Pravin Solanki, Vice President of Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj, echoed Bavaliya’s sentiments, stating that such derogatory remarks from a high-ranking official like the Finance Minister would not be tolerated by the Koli community. DeshGujarat