Giriraj regrets racist remarks against Sonia

New Delhi: Union minister Giriraj Singh on Monday expressed regret on the floor of Lok Sabha over his racist comment against Sonia Gandhi after the Congress created a ruckus over the matter and forced a brief adjournment of the House.

The expression of regret came after the opposition demanded that Singh be sacked as a minister for his comment that the Congress made Gandhi the president of the party because of 'her white skin'. "It was not my intention to offend anybody. If my comments have caused any hurt I express regret," said Singh.

As soon as the House assembled for the second part of the Budget session after a month-long break, Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the matter. "People are making statements against women. Central minister Giriraj Singh had made a derogatory comment about Sonia Gandhi. These kind of comments are not only against the women of the country, but the entire country should hang their heads in shame," said Scindia. "It is an insult to the Nigerians also... the Nigerian high commissioner has also protested," Scindia added.

"We not only want an apology, but also resignation of the minister. The Prime Minister should also apologise," he said.

While rejecting a variety of adjournment motions moved by Congress, AIADMK and Left members, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed Scindia to raise the issue of Singh's remarks.

She said she was also hurt by the remarks and such statements should not be made. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Bharatiya Janata Paty (BJP) MPs and ministers have continuously been making unwarranted and irresponsible statements. Such remarks create fissures in the society and hurt the harmony, said Kharge.

At one point, Kharge got offended when his mike was switched off.

"Whenever I speak, the mike is switched off... I have to protest," he said.

Both Gandhi and Singh were present in the House.