Assam Minister defends Priyanka Chopra over dress controversy

Priyanka, who is the brand ambassador of the Indian state of Assam, was seen in a sleeveless attire in a recent advertisement for the state.

In the ongoing Assembly session, two Congress MLAs Nandita Das and Rupjyoti Kurmi have objected to the dress and also urged the government to remove the actress as the brand ambassador of the state.

Coming to the rescue of the Indian actress with international fame, Assam Tourism Minister Sarma said the Congress MLAs made the comments only to get "cheap publicity".

Sarma told media, "A section of Congress legislators in Assam are trying to get cheap publicity out of the issue. When we receive felicitation in some stage do we go wearing dhoti, the traditional dress of Assam or wearing pants and shirts? If someone comes to Assam from abroad will he be felicitated after wearing dhoti?"

Another Congress leader Debabrata Saikia said it would have been better if Priyanka had worn Assam traditional clothes for the advertisement.

He has also alleged the BJP government's appointment of Priyanka as the brand ambassador has failed to attract tourists to the state.

Priyanka, who is a popular face on American television, has been in the centre of controversy multiple times in India.

Not too far ago, Priyanka's comment on Sikkim as an "insurgence-hit state" in abroad was severely criticised by the state government.

The Quantico star had to apologise later for her comment.

Image: twitter.com/priyankachopra