JOIN US"I have been reading about it (the controversy) in newspapers and as the chief of NCP, I won't mind tendering a public apology if any derogatory language has been used," Pawar told reporters here.
However, in the same breath, the NCP chief put the onus on media, saying, "journalists know better what to do if it (allegations that Ajit Pawar abused media) turns out to be false."
"As party chief, I won't have qualms about offering a public apology. Here, if language of force has been used, I have no problem in (tendering) apology," he said.
Ajit Pawar accused journalists of fabricating stories last week at a function in Nanded district and criticised the media for allegedly indulging in untruths and half-truths and suggested a gag on those indulging in such methods, which led to the controversy.
The Agriculture Minister also suggested that committee of senior journalists should be set up and review the statement.
"I would suggest to set up a committee of senior journalists like Arun Sadhu and Kumar Ketkar to review the statements (by Ajit Pawar)," he said.Media in Maharashtra is at loggerheads with Ajit Pawar and there is an ongoing agitation by journalists, which includes non-coverage of his functions, over his remarks.