New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan on July 19 tendered an apology in the Rajya Sabha for his remarks on July 18 likening elections of President and Vice-President to that of launching of satellites in orbit.

"I have great respect for the President and Vice-President. If my utterances are in bad taste, I am sorry," Mahajan said responding to leader of the Opposition Dr Manmohan Singh, who said by making such remarks Mahajan has "insulted" the offices of President and Vice-President.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Manmohan Singh wondered if Mahajan was suggesting that these high offices would be controlled remotely as satellites launched in orbit are manoeuvred through remote control.

After the election of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam as President on July 18, Mahajan had said he had launched one satellite successfully in orbit and was in the process of launching the second one, referring to Vice-Presidential poll.

PTI