Surat/Mumbai: Hours after an embarrassing attack on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi demanding his resignation over the Gujarat riots, television actress and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) newcomer Smriti Irani withdrew her statement after the party made it clear that she either retract or face action.

In an unexpected attack on Modi, Irani, who joined the party to contest the Lok Sabha elections unsuccessfully from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, told reporters in Surat that she would start a 'fast-unto-death' agitation if he does not step down.

Significantly taking Atal Bihari Vajpayee's name repeatedly, she said Modi's decision not to be step down was "extremely shocking and appalling". She said her fast agitation would start on the birthday of Vajpayee, December 25, to redeem his name.

Caught off guard, the party conveyed to her that it was extremely upset with her statement and made it clear that she either retract her statement or face disciplinary action.

Once back in Mumbai, she spoke to party president L K Advani over phone and had a meeting with Maharashtra BJP president Gopinath Munde before issuing a statement withdrawing the remarks "unconditionally".

"This afternoon, I had gone to Surat where I made a statement relating to Gujarat Chief Minister. I realised later that as a responsible member of the party I should not have done this. I therefore unconditionally withdraw my statement," her terse statement issued late in the night said.