BJP MP refuses to apologise for remarks against Cong leaders

Sticking to his guns, BJP MP Virendra Singh, whose comments against Congress leaders including its vice-president Rahul Gandhi led to disruptions in Parliament earlier this week, today refused to apologise. "Truth is always bitter. They (Congress) were disturbing Parliament even earlier also. This is just an excuse," Singh said outside Parliament.

Members of Congress, TMC, RJD, JD(U) staged a walkout from Lok Sabha while pressing for apology from Singh for his remarks against Congress leaders. Singh, an MP from Bhadoi in Uttar Pradesh, had made the remarks in the House on Wednesday while participating in adiscussion on drought situation. The remarks were later expunged by the Speaker.

Asked whether he would apologise for his remarks, he said, "Question does not arise. I have not said anything for which I should withdraw. A farmer always says something after thinking it over..." When it was pointed out to him that crores of rupees were going waste for not allowing Parliament to function, he said people of the country should know who is not allowing Parliament to function and they will decide.