India’s Bhartaiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker and Bhojpuri actor at a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting on Friday called Bollywood actor Aamir Khan a ‘traitor’. However, the lawmaker later denied calling Khan a traitor, reported india.com.  

‘Manoj Tiwari termed Khan as ‘deshdrohi’ (traitor) at the meeting while members at the meeting sought explanation from Tourism Secretary for replacing actor Khan with Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador of the Incredible India campaign.’

He reportedly said, ‘Aamir Khan is a traitor, he should be thrown out.’ This statement then led to protests from other members at the meeting.

However, the Bhojpuri actor later said, ‘Never used the word ‘deshdrohi’ for Aamir Khan, if a newspaper has printed it I’ll send them a notice.’

‘Meanwhile, he also said that Khan is not fit to be the brand ambassador of Incredible India in context to his recent statement on intolerance in the nation.’

‘He also said that the newspapers should apologise and should also mention the name of the source who gave them this ‘false news’.’

‘I would give a notice to the newspapers who have published this false news. I am a responsible citizen and I can never use a word like that. The newspapers are trying to tarnish my image by publishing false news.’

Tiwari added saying, Aamir Khan should not be the brand ambassador of Incredible India now, as the campaign goes against what he said. Anyone who is the face of ‘Incredible India’, should not say that India is not a place to live in.’

‘Whatever I said in the standing committee is secret. And if the talks of the committee are coming out in public, then it is illegal. I have never used the word ‘traitor’ for Aamir Khan. I can never say a word like that for him in my entire life,’ reported ANI.