Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh has retracted his recent controversial statements, where he labeled Bollywood actor Salman Khan "anti-national" and suggested he "should be hanged". The minister now claims he had mistakenly mentioned Salman Khan's name and was, in fact, referring to Shah Rukh Khan.

Just a day prior, Singh had launched a scathing attack on Salman Khan, alleging the actor favored Pakistan over India and should relocate there. He also accused Khan of earning money in India while supporting Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh, urging people to boycott his films.

On Thursday, Singh clarified that the confusion arose during an interaction with a journalist who mentioned Salman Khan's name, leading to an inadvertent slip of the tongue. "Salman Khan is a good actor. I had said this for Shah Rukh Khan," Singh stated.

Elaborating on his stance, Singh alleged that Shah Rukh Khan donates ₹265 crore whenever Pakistan faces trouble and speaks about mob lynching in India but remains silent on the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. "I took Shah Rukh Khan's name, but by mistake, Salman Khan's name came out," he said. Despite the clarification, Singh reiterated his view that "Shah Rukh Khan is anti-national, there is no doubt about it".

This isn't the first time Singh has made controversial remarks. In the past, he suggested that those wanting to avoid colors during Holi should wear a "tarpaulin hijab," similar to the head coverings worn by Muslim women. "Anyone who wants to avoid colors during Holi should cover themselves with a tarpaulin, just like Muslim women wear hijabs. Men should also do the same to protect their caps and clothes. If they can't do this, they should stay at home," Singh had said.

The initial remarks against Salman Khan sparked considerable controversy, with many criticizing the minister for his divisive comments. Singh's change of target has not quelled the situation, with many questioning the basis for his accusations against Shah Rukh Khan.

It's worth noting that in 2014, Shah Rukh Khan defended Salman Khan amidst criticism over a performance in Uttar Pradesh, stating, "I will not take a moral high ground and comment on the reasons of my colleagues working or taking on a job". He added, "We don't know the details as to why they have taken it or why they have done it, should they have done it. I can't take a moral high ground, I'm a performer myself". This defense came after Salman Khan and other stars were slammed for performing at an event where thousands of riot victims were struggling.