I apologize for my statement, did not mean to hurt anyone: Somnath Bharti

Reacting to the criticism received by Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti for making a derogatory comment on a reporter, Bharti on Saturday said that he did not mean to say what was being interpreted, and that he was apologetic if anyone was hurt by what he said.

"I did not want to say what is being misinterpreted by everyone although, if anyone has been hurt by my statement, I apologize for that," said Bharti.

"The media is our friend, but they should also report my good deeds and actions. I respect the media, and will always fight for its independence," he said.

He further said that he did not like being chased by the media all the time.

"I go to meet people; to serve people, and it is not good for the media chase me every time," he added.

On being questioned by a reporter today, as to whether he was planning to resign from the post of the Delhi law minister on moral grounds, Bharti asked, "How much money were you paid by Modiji?"

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Friday met the Lt. Governor to demand the resignation of Bharti for his vigilante-style action against Ugandan women during a night raid in the capital.

BJP leaders also protested at 14 different places of the national capital on Friday, demanding Bharti's resignation.

Yesterday the Supreme Court issued notice to Central Government and Delhi Government on Kejriwal's recent protest and has asked for reply in next six weeks.

The notice was issued during a hearing of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which was filed by lawyer, M.L. Sharma, against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over their protest outside the Railway Ministry, which amounted to a breakdown of the constitutional machinery.