TNN

Lucknow, Apr 23: Actor and budding politician Sanjay Dutt on Wednesday apologised for his 'jhuppi and puppi' remarks on Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati.

Dutt, in his reply to the showcause notice served by the Pratapgarh DM, said the 'jhappi' and 'pappi' statement is a dialogue from his movie, which is meant to spread love in the society.

Dutt said he addressed chief minister as Behenji, which means sister, hence this statement should be treated as an affection of a brother towards his sister.

Virendra Bhatia, SP MP and senior advocate, told TOI that Dutt in his reply has said that he meant no offence to anybody but he regrets if the dialogue has offended the chief minister in anyway. The notice was served by the DM in the capacity of returning officer. Bhatia said Dutt has also clarified his point but state administration has not stopped his victimisation.

Three FIRs have been registered against Dutt so far for the same statement issued at different places in the state. The notice in question was served on him for the remarks made at Pratapgarh in support of SP candidate Akhshay Pratap Singh, cousin of Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya. Dutt had said that given an opportunity, he would like to give 'jadu ki jhuppi' and 'puppi' to chief minister.