Bangalore: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar today (Oct 17, 2004) reiterated that he would not apologise for his controversial comments on Veer Savarkar and said it was the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Shiv Sena combine which made it an issue in the Maharashtra Assembly polls and had been taught a lesson by the voters that should apologise.

"Why should I apologise? The people of Maharashtra have given the answer for this. If anyone has to apologise, it should be those (Shiv Sena and BJP) who have been taught lesson by the people," Aiyar told reporters in Bangalore on the city outskirts.

He said the perception that comments made against Savarkar would have an impact on the Maharashtra elections were "misplaced", adding, "I am not in the least surprised by our victory".

Aiyar said the Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) combine returning back to power is a "vote of confidence for Manmohan Singh Government" and added, "We can look forward for five years of stability and growth in the State".

Asserting that he had not shown any disrespect for Savarkar, he said, "I am merely quoting what he said in various places and am not misquoting him. If you find that insulting, even I find that insulting".