Sharad Yadav ‘ sorry’ for remark on Raje

Ranchi, Dec. 8: Facing flak for his remarks against Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, former JD( U) leader Sharad Yadav on Saturday expressed regret for “hurting” her and said that he would write to her.

Ms Raje has demanded that the Election Commission take cognisance of Mr Yadav’s “insulting” remarks and taken action against him.

“I have seen her ( Raje’s) comments. Our relations are very old. If she thinks whatever I had said has hurt her, I express my regret for that,” Mr Yadav told reporters.

“I will also write a letter to her,” he added.

Mr Yadav, a former JD( U) Rajya Sabha member, while campaigning for Loktantrik Janata Dal in Alwar in Rajasthan on Wednesday, had called Ms Raje fat and asked people to give her rest.

After criticism from various quarters, Mr Yadav had said it was a joke and that he had no intention of hurting Raje and it was not meant to be derogatory in any way.

Reacting to his remarks, Ms Raje had said, “I feel insulted. This is insult of women”. The BJP leader said she was “absolutely shocked” and did not expect such a comment from an experienced leader.