Minister regrets remarks on Indira, Rajiv Gandhi

Union minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Friday expressed regrets for saying that former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were assassinated because of Congress' "wrong policies".

The social justice and empowerment minister's regret came after the issue was raised by Congress members, who also gave notice over the remark made on Thursday in parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the expression used by the minister was not right. But Congress members insisted that Gehlot, who was not initially present in the house, should apologize.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge insisted on the minister's presence. He urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the house briefly. His demand was opposed by Naidu.

As Congress members trooped near the speaker's podium and raised slogans, Gehlot made an entry.

He said he respected the two Congress leaders as prime ministers. "If feelings of anyone have been hurt (because of what I said), I express my regret," Gehlot said.

The issue was raised on Thursday by Congress member K.C. Venugopal who demanded that Gehlot's remarks should be expunged.