Under pressure of criticism, Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav said in the Rajya Sabha that he has the utmost respect for Education Minister Smriti Irani, to whom he had said on Monday, “I know what you are.”
Today, the 67-year-old lawmaker was forced to express regret for his comment after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley brought up the issue in the upper house. He said Yadav’s comment two days ago “created a very improper impression,” and he requested the JD(U) leader “to please clarify and put an end to the issue”.
“I regret that this happened,” said Yadav launching a long-winded explanation. “I respect Smritiji so much that when there was a controversy over her educational degree, I was the first to defend her. I did not mean to say to her what was printed in newspapers. I respect her so much that I never miss any debate related to her ministry,” before other members hastily accepted his clarification and requested him to take his seat.
