Parsadi Lal Meena’s assertion came on the sidelines of a programme in Jaipur — to mark World Cancer Day. He cited anecdotal examples of people in villages who would consume tobacco but “go on to live till 100 years”.

The statements stirred up controversy, with some activists calling for his resignation..

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20 different types or subtypes of cancer, and many other debilitating health conditions.

Not according to the health minister though.

“Cancer is not related to tobacco or beedi. Cancer can happen to anybody,” Meena told reporters Friday. “Maine dekhe hai, mai gaaon me reheta hun. Aise aise log hain jo din mein bees baar toh tambaku peete hain, khub beedi ya cigarette peete hain, kabhi cancer nahin hota unko (I live in a village, I have seen this. There are people who use tobacco up to 20 times a day, smoke cigarettes and beedis. They don’t ever get cancer)… They go on to live till 80-100 years.”

He added: “And even those who don’t consume (tobacco), have cancer. Now, who consumes tobacco in cities? Even in cities people have it (cancer). Those who don’t smoke beedis, they, too, have it. Cancer is not related to tobacco and beedi. Anybody can have cancer. It happens from food habits, drinking habits and lifestyle.”

When contacted by The Indian Express, Meena said: “I meant the tobacco used in traditional hookahs in villages that many villagers consume. They go on to live for many years and they don’t have cancer. I am not talking about cigarettes or gutka. Cancer does happen because of gutka.”

An NGO working in the field of health, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan Rajasthan, slammed the minister’s claims.