New Delhi: A day after expressing his desire to see Katrina Kaif , the Bollywood diva, as the next President of India , Justice Markandey Katju, former chairman of the Press Council of India, has retracted his statement today. He has also offered apology to those who felt offended by his comments.
Katju, known for making controversial statements, had yesterday wryly remarked on his blog that he would rather like Katrina Kaif to become the next President of India, but on condition, that she sings Sheela Ki Jawani at her oath taking ceremony.
Now Justice Katju says his blog post was “purely in a lighter vein” and that if he had offended anyone, he would like to apologise for it.
Yesterday, while writing in his blog Satyam Bruyat, retd Justice Katju put the header "Katrina Kaif for President of India", and then went on to write: "Croatia, which has an ailing economy, has elected a beautiful woman, Ms. Grabar-Kitarovic, as its President.
"I am always in favour of electing beautiful women, like film actresses, on all posts.
"This is because politicians will promise the moon, but not do anything for the public welfare. So since you must have someone, why not vote for a beautiful face?
"At least you will get some momentary happiness looking at her face in the media. Otherwise you will get nothing at all.
"I suggest we make Katrina Kaif the next President of India, but on condition, that she sings 'Sheela ki Jawaani' on her Inaugural!"
Retired Justice Katju's remark was viewed as an oblique attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the BJP government at the Centre refused to give him extension as chairman of Press Council of India.
