Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Minister Ameen
Khan, who had to resign over his controversial remarks against
President Pratibha Patil, met her here and expressed regrets
over his remarks.
"I met the President at Raj Bhawan last (Monday) night and told
her that I had not meant to hurt anyone`s feeling. I apprised
her of my intention behind the remarks which were aimed at
encouraging party workers to work selflessly with dedication,
and not to insult the President," Khan said on Tuesday.
"The President said that there were no differences and
she was not unhappy with me," he said.
Khan had to resign as Minister of State for Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj earlier this year after he made
the controversial comments at a party workers` function.
He had created a controversy by his remarks that Pratibha
Patil was "rewarded" with the post of President for her
loyalty to the Gandhi family.
Addressing Congress workers in Pali district on February
8, Khan had reportedly said that Patil did not ask for any
position but was made the President due to her loyalty to the
Gandhi family and cited instances of her association with
Indira Gandhi.
A section of the local media quoted Khan as having told
the party workers that Patil was so dedicated that "she used
to make tea and cook food at Indira Gandhi`s residence" and
due to her honesty, devotion and loyalty, she is now the
President.
Khan, however, denied having said so.
PTI
