Unfazed by the controversy triggered by his remarks on the killing of former ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Minority Affairs Minister A R Antulay today said that he stuck to his stand and that both government and Congress should feel "proud" of his comments.
"I always stand by the truth," said Antulay, who has sent his resignation to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in the wake of the uproar after he raised questions on Karkare's killing.
Asked whether he stood by what he had said two days back, he replied in the affirmative. He had said, "Whether Karkare was a victim of terrorism or terrorism plus something, I do not know. I said a man like Karkare is born among millions...Who pushed him in the trap of death? Who sent him there to be killed by the Pakistanis?" was Antulay's refrain.
Arguing that Congress had no reason to be embarrassed by whatever he had said, Antulay said, "Both the government and the party should feel proud."
He refused to confirm nor deny whether he sent his resignation to the prime minister.
Asked whether he had been asked to resign, he said, "Does a person like Antulay need to be told to resign?"
To a question, whether Prime Minister has accepted his resignation, Antulay said,"You should ask the Prime Minister. Why are you asking me?"
