Following the controversy over his statement on Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav on Wednesday expressed regret over the remarks in Rajya Sabha.
"I regret. I respect (Smriti Irani)," Yadav said after leader of the House Arun Jaitley sought a clarification from the MP saying “a very bad impression” has been created.
Responding to this, Yadav said he respected her and he feels that Irani and Nirmala Sitharaman, two women ministers, are the "best and competent" ministers.
Yadav ran into a controversy last week during the debate on Insurance (Amendment) Bill when he referred to complexion of women from South India. When the issue came up again in the House, Yadav reacted sharply against the HRD Minister, saying, “Who are you? I know what kind of a person you are.”