Bhopal, Dec 19 (IANS): Unperturbed by the attack on him for his remark that youth from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are taking away the jobs in Madhya Pradesh, new state Chief Minister Kamal Nath defended his statement saying he has not said anything new.

"I meant to say that local people should get preference (in employment). And this is everywhere. I did not say anything new. It is everywhere. Is it not so in Gujarat (that locals get preference in jobs)?," he told reporters.

Kamal Nath was asked about the controversy over his statement that his government would give incentives for investors who provide 70 per cent of the jobs for youth from Madhya Pradesh in a bid to check outsiders from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh taking away jobs here.

The remarks triggered a storm with leaders including those belonging to Congress allies like SP and RJD attacking him saying it was wrong and unfortunate. BJP leaders also joined in the attack and demanded Congress President Rahul Gandhi's apology.