New Delhi March 13 (IANS) Samajwadi Party former leader Naresh Agrawal on Tuesday expressed regret for calling actress and politician Jaya Bachchan a "mere film dancer" while joining the BJP on Monday.
"I express regret if anyone was hurt by my comments on Jaya Bachchan " he told reporters here.
When asked if he would apologise he declined to comment.
On Monday Agrawal said the SP had refused him a Rajya Sabha berth and gave it to a person just because she "could dance and act in the films".
"My stature has been equated with that of a mere film actress. Just because she could dance and act in films my candidature (to Rajya Sabha) has been sacrificed for her. I haven t taken it kindly."
His remarks were denounced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
--IANS
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