Tripura CM Biplab Deb combines viral fitness challenge and PM Modi's '56-inch-chest' statement for latest questionable remark

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has made another one of his now trademark statements, this time over Union Minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's viral fitness challenge.

Speaking at an event in Agartala, Deb, who had courted ridicule for saying that the Internet and telecommunications satellites were prevalent during the 'time' of the Mahabharata and were hence an Indian invention, said: 

"All the youths should stay fit. If all youths do push-ups, they will become healthy and Tripura will become healthy too ... Automatically, Tripura will develop 56-inch chest and follow the direction of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' for development".

He further stated that he himself has taken up the fitness challenge by Youth Affairs and Sports MoS Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and has done 20 pushups and can do 20 more if required. He urged the youth of Tripura to do 20,30, 40 push-ups every day, as it will be good for them. 

"I could do 20 more. Youths will feel good and fresh if they give 20, 30, 40 push-ups every morning," Deb said

Further, he stated that for him development does not mean industries, but developing in sports as well. 

"Development doesn't mean only industries. It also means developing sports. One has to be an all-rounder (to perform well)."  

The Chief Minister stated that he would work to improve the sports infrastructure of Tripura and has also spoken to the Sports Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore regarding the same. 

The #FitnessChallenge, which has gone viral on social media is an initiative propagated by Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Minister of State with Independent Charge of the Information and Broadcasting, and Youth Affairs and Sports ministries. Following Col Rathore publishing his own video where he demonstrates how he has added a fitness regimen to his daily work-day, and putting the challenge forth to others, people from a number different walks of life, including politicians, members of the Bollywood and film and entertainment industry, members of the sporting fraternity, government employees and other people have taken up the challenge under the slogan 'hum fit toh India fit'.