Union Minister Jual Oram on Saturday apologised for his Vijay Mallya remark.
Addressing the National Tribal Entrepreneurs Conclave here on Friday, Oram had described fugitive Vijay Mallya as smart. He advised tribals to follow the footsteps of Mallya to avail bank loans in order to become successful entrepreneurs.
Oram had said: "You people criticise Vijay Mallya. But what is Vijay Mallya? He is smart. He employed some intelligent people. He did something here and there with bankers, politicians, government."
"He bought them. Who prevented you (from being smart)? Who asked Adivasis not to influence the system? Who prevented you from influencing bankers," Oram had added.
On Saturday, however, Oram apologised saying: "I accidentally took Vijay Mallya's name. I should have taken someone else's name. I should not have taken his name, it was my mistake, " said Oram.
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