Facing widespread condemnation for likening Lok Sabha poll frenzy surrounding him to "being raped", Bengali movie star and Trinamool Congress candidate Dev on Monday apologised for his comments.
"I m new in politics. My heart is clean. No offence meant 2 any1. I respect Maa, sis al women n brothers. Dint mean 2 hurt any1. SINCERE SORRY," tweeted Dev who is contesting on a Trinamool Congress ticket from Ghatal in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.
Talking to Bengali tabloid Ebela, the actor-turned-politician said, "Eighty percent of the media is now focusing on Ghatal. Dev contesting from Ghatal has become a hot topic. It is nice that a place like Ghatal has also become popular."
Asked if he was enjoying the moment, Dev was quoted as saying: "Enjoy, it's just like being raped, either you can enjoy or can shout."
Political parties have condemned the "outrageous" comments and are even mulling lodging a complaint with the Election Commission.