In his letter, Khurshid wrote, "I feel disturbed with the
PTI | 08:02 PM,Feb 14,2012developments arising out of one of my statements made in the course of the election campaign. It has also caused me equal measure of sadness." Contending that it has "never been my intention to transgress the law or the model code of conduct," the Law Minister said, "I have great respect for the Commission and the decisions it takes and has taken." He added, "I treat this matter as unfortunate and regret this statement. I bow to the wisdom of the Election Commission and remain personally committed to ensure that such situations do not arise." Khurshid's letter came close on the heels of Congress disapproving his comments against the poll panel, saying that "people occupying posts of responsibility should speak responsibly". "As responsible citizens of this country, it is our obligation to promote the spirit of law, its adherance and enforcement. This is the ethos on which I have woven my entire life and am committed to the Election Commission's effort towards the conduct of a free and fair election process," said the Law Minister in his single-page regret letter. Earlier, the CEC found the tone and tenor of the remarks of Khurshid "as utterly contemptuous and dismissive" of the Commission and damaging to the level-playing field" in Uttar Pradesh assembly election and sought "immediate and decisive" intervention of the President. Khurshid's subquota remarks were first made during a rally in support of his wife Louise who is contesting as a Congress candidate in Farrukhabad. On Saturday night, the Law Minister had at another rally stuck to his subquota stand, drawing the anger and unprecedented action of the panel of writing to the President.
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