Under fire from the Opposition for his insensitive remarks on drought and load-shedding, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today tendered apology in both Houses of the state legislature which witnessed uproarious scenes and repeated adjournments.

Pawar's coarse humour at a public meeting on Saturday had the Opposition up in arms against him in the Legislative Assembly and Council, forcing the Deputy Chief Minister to issue a personal clarification apologising for his remarks.

"My comments on Saturday were not directed towards drought-affected people and I had no intention to hurt anybody's sentiments. I hope my comments will not affect drought relief measures which will continue vigorously," he said in the Assembly, where the Opposition twice forced adjournment of the proceedings.

Ajit, nephew of Union Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, admitted he should have chosen his words carefully.