Politician sorry for Mumbai jibe

The chief minister of the southern Indian state of Kerala has apologised for insensitive remarks about a commando killed in the Mumbai attacks.

VS Achuthanandan said he regretted comments that had "caused anguish" to the family of Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

Mr Achuthanandan had tried to visit the family home in Bangalore but the major's father shut the door on him.

The minister remarked that "not even a dog would look at the house" if it had not been for the major's death.

The action of the commandos in the attacks that left at least 188 dead is held in huge esteem in India and the minister's remarks caused outrage.

'Misinterpreted'

Maj Unnikrishnan, 31, was killed while fighting the militants at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel on Friday.

"I regret and apologise for my comments which caused anguish to Sandeep's family and others."
VS Achuthanandan

Mr Achuthanandan, of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), was trying to pay condolences in Bangalore on Sunday but was met with an angry response.

The minister then reportedly said: "If it had not been [Major] Sandeep's house, not even a dog would have glanced that way."

The state opposition had demanded an unconditional apology from the chief minister, who had said his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

There had been calls for him to resign.

However, speaking to the Kerala assembly on Wednesday, Mr Achuthanandan said: "I regret and apologise for my comments which caused anguish to Sandeep's family and others."

He blamed the media for blowing the incident out of proportion.

Politicians have come under fire for their handling of the Mumbai attacks. The home minister and the chief and deputy chief ministers of Maharashtra state have all submitted resignations.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Kerala chief minister
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites