New Delhi, Nov 6 : Amid differences within the party over allegations against him and his statement comparing intelligence quotient (IQ) levels of spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, BJP president Nitin Gadkari today regretted his remarks.
‘’Swami Vivekananda has always been a source of inspiration for all of us in the BJP. My personal reverence for Swami Vivekananda is second to none. In that context I had referred to Swami Vivekananda dedicating his intellect for the welfare of humanity. I am deeply pained to note that my words have been taken out of context to create confusion,’’ Mr Gadkari said in a statement.
He reiterated that he never compared Swami Vivekananda with anyone.
‘’I had absolutely no intention to project Swami Vivekananda in bad light.
If my words about Swami Vivekananda have hurt the public sentiments in any manner, I express my sincere regrets,’’ Mr Gadkari added.
His statement has come after he met senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley after party MP and noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani said Mr Gadkari should resign immediately in interest of the party.
Mr Gadkari is likely to meet BJP veteran L K Advani.
The BJP core group is also likely to meet in the evening to discuss the crisis.
