Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti expresses regret over controversial remarks, BJP calls her statement ‘slip of tongue’

Minister of state for food processing industries Niranjan Jyoti on Tuesday expressed regret in Rajya Sabha and apologised for her controversial remarks.

Parliament witnessed uproar over alleged controversial remarks made by her, with opposition forcing brief adjournments of both the Houses. The opposition parties raised the issue and demanded the sacking of Niranjan Jyoti.

However, BJP said the issue should not be stretched after the Minister has tendered an apology. It also hit out at Congress, saying several of its leaders had made objectionable remarks in the past.

Using a foul language, Niranjan Jyoti triggered a controversy on Monday. While campaigning in Delhi for the upcoming assembly elections, she was reported to have said "every Indian including Muslims and Christians are sons of Ram".

The Prime Minister should give an explanation," Congress leader Anand Sharma said.

She and CPI(M) MP Sitaram Yechury demanded that an FIR be filed against Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti.

"The divisive thinking and divisive politics of the BJP has been exposed," Congress leader Ambika Soni said.

13:45 IST Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Congress condemns Sadhvi Niranjan's statement

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday said that the party strongly condemns Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti's use of abusive language while addressing voters. "Congress condemns this in the strongest manner possible. This is politics of derogation and hate unleashed by Modi government. We would like to know what actions the Prime Minister would like to take against the union minister." Read more

14:00 IST Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Earlier today, Sadhvi Niranjan said that she did not mean to target any particular person or party but separatists.

"I did not take name of any particular individual, community or party. I was talking about separatist parties and leaders who think of dividing the country and who do not consider themselves to be a part of India," said Jyoti.

BSP chief Mayawati said the minister's remarks were against the secular ethos espoused by the Constitution and do not behold a person occupying a constitutional post. The BJP should sack her, she said.

Reacting to the issue, BJP leader Sambit Patra said, "What she said may have been a slip of tongue. She has expressed an apology with maturity, her intention was not to hurt anyone."

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar said, "I Believe that the words used by a minister of Narendra Modi government is a new low in Parliamant history. She has no right to remain in the council of Ministers."

As soon as Lok Sabha met for the day, Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge reminded Speaker Sumitra Mahajan of the adjournment notices given by him and his party colleagues over the reported statements of the two ministers.

The Speaker rejected the notices saying though the matter is of urgent importance, the business of the day cannot be allowed to be disrupted. She, however, suggested that members can raise the issue during Zero Hour.

Kharge said the "objectionable" language used by Jyoti has created tension at a time when there have been communal riots.

(With inputs from agency)