I express regret if my words hurt anyone: Under-fire Naresh Agrawal about his jibe at Jaya Bachchan

Under-fire Naresh Agrawal who joined BJP on Monday expressed regret for his sexist jibe at Jaya Bachchan. 

When quizzed by journalists on Tuesday, Agrawal who has a history of making controversial comments said, " I express regret if my words hurt anyone". Agrawal's statement is aimed at trying to put a lid on the brewing political controversy. 

I had said something which was given a different angle by the media. All I can say is that I didn't intend to hurt anyone. I express my regret, if it did hurt anyone. I take back my words: #NareshAgrwal on his earlier comment during a press conference yesterday pic.twitter.com/0kPhlrRX9d

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday condemned newly-inducted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Naresh Agrawal's statement directed at veteran actor and Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Jaya Bachchan. Samajwadi Party (SP) President Yadav took to Twitter and said that such derogatory remark is an insult for not only to Bollywood fraternity but also to all women in the country. Yadav also demanded the BJP to take immediate and strict action against Agrawal for his remark, if the party respects women. Yadav also urged the Women Commission to take cognizance in this matter." I condemned the derogatory statement by BJP leader Naresh Agrawal on Jaya Bachchan. This is an insult to all women in the country along with the Bollywood fraternity. If the BJP actually respects the women then they should take immediate and strict action against him. Women Commission also should take action in this,"Yadav tweeted.

In his initiation ceremony at the BJP headquarters here, Naresh Agrawal yesterday said that he was humiliated by the SP as he lost the Rajya Sabha election ticket to Jaya Bachchan. "My status was reduced to that of a film actor. Because of her, the ticket was not given to me, which I did not find right," he said. His statement created a political storm with BJP spokesperson immediately clarifying it is not party's stance and they respect people from all profession. Sushma Swaraj also took to Twitter to condemn Naresh Agrawal's statement. 

With agency inputs