Kumaraswamy apologises for his remarks on women, attacks Cong.

Insisting that he had not insulted women with his remark on Congress guarantees, former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) candidate from Mandya H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday tendered an apology.

“I have no ego hassle in expressing regret if my statements on women has hurt their feelings. If women Congress workers are hurt, I will apologise to them too. I have not done anything wrong and I will leave it to the people to decide,” he said.

His apology over a statement made during an election rally at Turuvekere in Tumakuru had triggered a row with Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson stating that the panel would issue a notice.

Continuing his attack on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Mr. Kumaraswamy pointed out instances of Congress leaders making derogatory comments on actors Hema Malini and Kangana Ranaut.

Mr. Shivakumar said, “He is desperately criticising me because the women have turned against him due to his derogatory statement. Congress is trying to make women selfreliant, while his statement is a blot on society.”