11:45 am: Congress rejects Sakshi Maharaj's regret, says he must apologise.
11:35 am: Sakshi Maharaj again regrets his statement on Nathuram Godse in Lok Sabha and withdraws the controversial remarks.
“I respect Bapu and also the Parliament. The opposition is raising non-issues. I take back my words... I am taking back my words, if some people were hurt then I regret it,” Sakshi Maharaj tells Lok Sabha.
11:27 am: Union minister Venkaiah Naidu says the government condemns Sakshi Maharaj's statement.
“We condemn the eulogy of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, but the MP has already clarified,” says Naidu, adding “the party (BJP) and government do not agree with minister's remarks”.
11:25 am: Both Houses of Parliament were on Friday hit by uproar over remarks made by BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik.
While Maharaj had yesterday said that Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathuram Godse was a 'patriot', Naik had expressed his wish for Ram temple, saying the nation wishes that it should be built.
Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned amid uproar over Sakshi Maharaj's statement.
A united Opposition demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make a statement clarifying the government's stand on Godse.
BSP leader Mayawati also criticised UP Governor Ram Naik for his remarks on Ram temple, saying there can be no construction till a court order on the matter.
In Rajya Sabha as well, Opposition MPs protested both leaders' remarks.
MoS Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government was ready for discussion on any matter if notice was given.
11:00 am: BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj backs UP Governor Ram Naik on Ram temple remarks. He says outside Parliament that no power in the world can stop the construction of Ram temple.
10:55 am: Congress leaders protest against Sakshi Maharaj's remarks on Nathuram Godse outside Parliament near Mahatma Gandhi's statue. Congress MPs chant 'Hey Ram! Gandhi ke Qaatil ko diya samman'.
