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NEW DELHI: Hours after hurling abuse at journalists, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Dina Patil on Thursday issued an apology and expressed regret over the altercation.“Ever since I joined the Shiv Sena, I have been subjected to continuous humiliation. When journalist friends came again this morning, I folded my hands and requested them not to ask me any more questions on this issue,” Patil said.“However, as the same question was repeatedly asked, the situation escalated. In the confusion and heat of the moment, I unintentionally used inappropriate words. I sincerely express regret to all journalist brothers and sisters for that,” he added.However, he said it was wrong to spread false information or use offensive language about his wife, daughter, mother and his father, who is no longer alive.“You are free to say whatever you want about my political position, but I request that my family be kept out of this,” Patil insisted.Earlier in the day, Patil, one of the six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who joined the ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, hurled expletives at journalists and threatened them, only to express regret later after facing backlash and a media boycott.“Why are you poking your nose in my affairs? If you come again, I will kill you,” he told journalists, lacing his remarks with expletives, PTI reported.He lost his temper when asked about the stand taken by his daughter, corporator Rajul Patil, who has said she will remain with Shiv Sena (UBT).Journalists also sought his response to a letter written by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to the Mumbai Police, seeking action over the Mumbai North-East MP’s earlier remarks that he would “throw bombs” at anyone protesting against his defection, enter their homes and “kill them.”Later, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde also sought to defuse the controversy when reporters sought his reaction outside the state legislature complex.“Sanjay Dina Patil had no intention of insulting journalists. If anyone has been hurt by his words, he has expressed his willingness to express regret. I have clearly told him that if he has made any untoward remarks, he should express regret,” Shinde said.Without taking names, the deputy CM suggested that Patil’s outburst stemmed from repeated personal attacks.“Since 2022 (when Shinde split the undivided Shiv Sena), you have all seen the kind of language being used in front of the media. References are made to family members and people are asked to enter others’ homes. Sanjay Dina Patil was disgusted by such language. He is neither against the media nor angry with journalists,” the deputy chief minister added.Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis declined to comment, saying he would first seek complete information about the matter.“I was travelling and have no idea about the entire controversy. Let me first gather all the information. It is wrong to threaten any person,” Fadnavis remarked.
