GUWAHATI: A day after he made a controversial statement creating outrage, Congress leader Nilamani Sen Deka today expressed regret and said he was withdrawing his comment.
"We criticise the opponents in different languages. While doing so, I made the comment. I regret my statement and withdraw it immediately. I do not want any controversy over it anymore," Deka said.
The former minister at a public meeting yesterday had made derogatory remarks against Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani which created furore in all circles and an FIR was lodged against it.
Assam Chief Minster Tarun Gogoi earlier distanced himself from Deka's controversial comment by saying it is condemnable and "not in Assamese culture".
The Congress party also disowned Deka's statement and condemned it. However, BJP demanded an outright apology from Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for the controversial remark of Deka and called for arrest of the former minister.
Meanwhile, tear gas shells were burst by police today when BJP supporters protested in front of Congress' state unit head office Rajiv Bhawan and attacked the ruling party's workers, who too retaliated violently, leading to injuries on both sides.