Even as the Union Home Ministry sought a report from the West Bengal government on Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal’s threat to unleash “rapists on supporters of Communist Party of India (Marxist)”, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee disapproved of his remarks, Mr. Pal on Tuesday apologised for his “deeply insensitive” statements.
“Some remarks made by me in the heat and dust of the election campaign have caused dismay and consternation. I apologise unreservedly for them. Whatever the provocation, those comments should never have been made,” Mr. Pal said in a letter.
Ms. Banerjee told reporters her MP had committed a big blunder and had been cautioned. But when pressed if an apology was enough, she shot back: “What do you think, should I kill him? I have to work in a system.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“He is a mature man. If he is making insensitive remarks what can we do. We have cautioned him. We have warned him not to repeat such an offence,” Ms. Banerjee said.
Mr. Pal’s apology came after Trinamool Congress general secretary Mukul Roy called him earlier during the day and directed him to issue an unconditional apology.
“In making the statements, I have let down my constituents and the people of Bengal, my party, and my political colleagues. I have let down my family, including my wife. I apologise to all of them, to all women in our society...” Mr. Pal’s letter said.
ADVERTISEMENT