One should make comments within the limits of dignity : Shrikant Sharma

Observing that the entire government including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was facing the heat of the Opposition for his controversial remarks on SP and BSP leaders, cabinet minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' finally withdrew his remarks by tendering a written apology on Wednesday morning.

In a written statement issued in Lucknow on Wednesday, Nandi said that he had learnt that his speech at a rally in Durga Puja Park in Pritamnagar, Allahabad on March 4, had hurt some people. 

"I want to clarify that I did not mean to cause any harm or insult anyone. I was reading a Whatsapp message, which I had received, titled 'buraa na maano Holi hai' (Don't mind, it's Holi). I am a firm believer in democratic values and Parliamentary language. If my statement has hurt anyone, I am withdrawing it," Nandi said.

The development comes a day after the state government chose to distance itself from the controversial statements made by Nandi. 

Energy minister Shrikant Sharma had said on Tuesday, "One should make comments within the limits of dignity. The BJP does not support any indecent words used against anyone. That is not the party's thought process."

In an election rally held on March 4 where the CM was present, Nandi had compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lord Rama and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with Hanuman. He, however, made some objectionable comparisons while referring to senior SP and BSP leaders. 

The issue figured in the Legislative Council forcing the Chairman to adjourn proceedings for the entire day on Tuesday after the entire Opposition created a din in the House.