Amid controversy over Sanjay Raut's remarks on Indira Gandhi that she used to meet gangster Karim Lala, Sena leader on Thursday withdrew his controversial comments saying if someone feels his statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image, or someone's feelings, he takes it back. "In the past, I have taken her (Gandhi's) side and argued with people who tried to malign her image. In such cases, some Congress leaders had remained silent," he added.

Raut earlier issued a clarification on his comments saying they were twisted by those unaware of Mumbai's history, as he meant that the former prime minister met gangster Karim Lala in his capacity as representative of the Pathan community.

During an interview to the Lokmat media group at its award function in Pune on Wednesday, Raut claimed that "Indira Gandhi used to meet Karim Lala in Pydhonie (in south Mumbai)."

Sanjay Raut's clarification after Congress objected to his comments

Raut's clarification has come after Congress leaders Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam criticised Sena leader asking him to withdraw his "ill-informed" remarks. Raut defended his words, saying he never shied away from praising former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Asking Raut to withdraw his comments, Deora, who is the former Union minister, described Gandhi as a "true patriot who never compromised on India's national security". Deora said politicians should refrain from "distorting" legacies of prime ministers who are no more. "Indira ji was a true patriot who never compromised on Indias national security," he said in a tweet.

"As former @INCMumbai President, I demand that @rautsanjay61 ji withdraws his ill-informed statement. Political leaders must show restraint before distorting the legacies of deceased Prime Ministers," Deora further tweeted.

Former Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Raut will "repent" if he continues a "false campaign" against Gandhi. Noting that Raut often shares "poetry of others", Nirupam said it will be better if the Shiv Sena leader focuses on entertaining Maharashtra with such poetic stuff.

"It will be better if Shiv Sena's Mr Shayar (poet) focuses on entertaining Maharashtra by sharing light-hearted poetry of others. He will have to repent if he carries out false campaign against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhiji."