Opposition rejects Sadhvi Niranjan's apology in Parliament

Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti on Tuesday apologized in the parliament for using abusive words while addressing voters in a recent campaign in the capital, and said that she had not intended to hurt anyone.

The opposition, however, dismissed the union minister's apology and instead pressed on her resignation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his displeasure over the statement.

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.

The union minister had, earlier on Monday used abusive and communal words to urge voters to choose between candidates, while addressing voters in west Delhi's Shyam Nagar.

Her choice of words garnered strong criticism from various political parties.