Maharashtra minister apologises for comparing roads with Hema Malini’s cheeks

Maharashtra Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil has apologised for his comments comparing roads in his constituency with Hema Malini’s cheeks after it triggered widespread condemnation from political parties like the BJP and the NCP and drew the state women’s commission’s ire.

“My intention was to highlight the good roads in my constituency. However, my statement was misunderstood. If my statement has hurt anyone, I would like to apologise…,” the Shiv Sena minister said in a video message on Monday.

Addressing an election rally for Bodwad Nagar panchayat in Jalgaon district on Sunday, Patil, taunting his political adversary NCP leader Eknath Khadse, had said: “Those who have served as MLA for 30 years should visit my Dharangaon constituency.