Even though Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti expressed regret in Parliament on Tuesday for using abusive language at a party rally in the national capital on Monday, the Congress is likely to raise the issue again on Wednesday and as per party sources, they would use their might in Rajya Sabha to stall the business.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti had yesterday said that she was taking back her controversial remark. “I take back my words and offer regret. However, if the House feels so, I am also ready to seek an apology,” the BJP leader said. In the Lok Sabha, she said, “My intention was not to hurt anyone. If my speech has hurt anyone, I express my deep regrets.”
The Opposition, however, remained adamant and demanded her sacking, saying a mere apology will not suffice and she will have to resign.
The government, however, said that the matter was closed with the minister expressing regret. But, Congress members indicated that they intended to press the issue in the Rajya Sabha further.
Addressing a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also asked party MPs to be cautious when making comments in public.
Niranjan Jyoti had reportedly had said at the public meeting: “Aapko tay karna hai ki Dilli mein sarkar Ramzadon ki banegi ya ha***zadon ki. (You have to decide if you want a government in Delhi to be led by children of Lord Ram or illegitimate children).”
The comment created an uproar in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. While the uproar in the lower house settled after Jyoti offered to apologise, members in the Rajya Sabha refused to back down, and demanded that she be sacked from the Council of Ministers.