Karnataka Congress working president Satish Jarkiholi, who courted controversy over his claim that the word 'Hindu' is Persian and has a very dirty meaning, offered an apology despite his initial refusal to express regret over the statement.
According to news agency ANI, Jarkiholi, in a letter to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai withdrew the statement and apologised for it.
He also requested the CM to set up an investigating committee to find those who tried to defame him as anti-Hindu.
Bommai had questioned Congress leader Siddaramaiah's silence over the issue and sought his comments.
Jarkiholi had faced severe backlash for his remarks, with his own party pulling him up for his remarks.
Earlier, ruling out an apology for his remark, the Congress leader had said, "What I have said, 90 percent of people have probably not heard it completely. Just because there is a reference to the word Hindu and as I have said that it has a very dirty meaning, it has been interpreted however they want, there is nothing new in this, and such things have happened many times in the past."
Questioning as to why he should apologise, he had said whatever he has said have been been written and published. "In fact, those pointing fingers at me should have seen and rectified it. I have done what they should have done, they should be thankful to me."
On Wednesday, the BJP staged protests in different parts of Karnataka, condemnning Jarkiholi's statement. The saffron party also targetted the Congress, calling the party "anti-Hindu".
There are reports of protests from various parts of the state including Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Karwar, Yadgir, Raichur, Shivamogga, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Kolar, Bagalkote among other places.
—With PTI inputs
