‘I have not said anything with a motive to insult President’ : sacked Rajasthan Minister (Update: Rajasthan minister)

JAIPUR - Amin Khan, the sacked Rajasthan Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Waqf, on Thursday contradicting his unsavoury comments on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil contended that he did not say anything with any motive to insult the apex office of the President.

“I have not said anything with a motive to insulting her (President Pratibha Devisingh Patil). They misinterpret my words. I said she was a very sober woman and a very normal worker of the party. She was loyal to Indira Gandhi and used to share all her pains. That is why Sonia (Gandhi) made her President,” said Khan.

“If you also work with complete dedication then you will also get good designations. I just said this much, nothing more than this,” he added in his defence.

Earlier today, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said: “The Minister quit his post and his resignation has been forwarded to Governor Shivraj Patil for acceptance.”

Gehlot added that everyone should respect the dignity of the post of the President.

The President’s office reacted sharply after the Minister’s comments and reportedly asked the Rajasthan Governor Shivraj Patil and the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to ascertain facts and take ‘appropriate action if necessary’.

Khan was asked to resign after he was quoted as saying that President Patil used to be a personal help in former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s house. (ANI)