The furore over the remarks of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President G Parameshwara on JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, died down on Thursday with the former expressing regret for his comments.

“I was merely reiterating what the leader (Gowda) himself said earlier. I have respect for him. I pray God that he lives for another 100 years,” Parameshwara said at a press meet. He clarified that he had no intention to malign Gowda.

Parameshwara, on Wednesday, had said that Gowda had vowed to consume poison if his party did not emerge victorious in the 2013 Assembly elections, but had not stuck to his words. The remark had kicked up heat and dust with Gowda calling Parameshwara, idiot.

Saying that his comments were in good humour, Parameshwara said that some times leaders need to use humour in their speeches to keep the spirit of party workers high.

“It is not just me. All of us try to bring in wit and humour to break the monotony. This too was one such statement with no ill intentions,” he said. However, he acknowledged that leaders needed to use “restraint.”

The party also released a Kannada version of the Congress’ manifesto which was released recently in Delhi. Parameshwara said the party would invest one trillion dollars to create basic infrastructure.

Meanwhile,  Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday condemned KPCC chief G Parameshwara’s comments and warned that it would take up agitation if he continues to talk lightly about the senior leader.