Gehlot spoke to Khan from Delhi where the Congress leadership had summoned him. Khan had earlier apologized for his remarks after protests erupted across Rajasthan. Gehlot had sought his apology before leaving for New Delhi. "The statement is unfortunate," said party's spokesperson Manish Tiwari in New Delhi.
The President's office reacted sharply. "The veracity of the statement is being ascertained," said a spokesman. The President's secretary Christy Fernandez spoke to the Rajasthan governor and the CM asking them to ascertain facts and take "appropriate action if necessary".
Patil's husband Devi Singh said, "We are hurt. It is for the Congress leadership to take a call (on action against him)."
"It is shameful for entire women community," said BJP leader Vasundhara Raje.
Shree Rajput Karni Sena demonstrated at the Collectorate Circle in Jaipur and demanded the minister be sacked. "We burnt effigies of Khan at 13 district headquarters, including Sikar which is the hometown of Devi Singh," said Sena's state convener Shyam Pratap Singh. Protests were also reported from Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu, Churu, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur and other districts.
"The chief minister should not only seek his resignation but expel him from Congress for making derogatory remarks against the country's constitutional head," said the Sena's chief patron and Congress leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi.
Khan said he did not mean disrespect to the President. "I was just trying to advise disgruntled Congress workers to work selflessly and be faithful and committed like Patil," he said. "What gain will I derive by hurting the President?" he asked. "I am sorry. Please consider it my mistake," he told TOI.