As criticism grew over Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi stating that the word “Hindu” originated from Persia, the MLA defended his remarks on Tuesday, reported PTI.

“What I have said is not my own, and I have said that let there be a debate, that’s my intention, but people interpret it however they want, I can’t do much about it,” he said. “I’m ready for discussion with evidence...if someone proves me wrong, I will resign as an MLA.”

At an event in Belgavi district on Monday, Jarkiholi, the working president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, had said that the word “Hindu” has no connection with India, ANI reported

“Where has the word ‘Hindu’ come from?” Jarkiholi had asked. “It has come from Persia…So, what is its relation with India? How’s ‘Hindu’ yours? Check on WhatsApp, and Wikipedia, the term isn’t yours. Why do you want to put it on a pedestal?… Its meaning is horrible.”

The Bhartiya Janata Party as well as the Congress had criticised the statements.

On Tuesday, Jarkiholi refused to apologise saying he was only referring to what has been written and published. The Yamakanmardi MLA cited a dictionary published in 1963.

“In fact those pointing fingers at me should have seen and rectified it [origin of the word],” he said. “I have done what they should have done, they should be thankful to me. There is no question of apologising, let the chief minister form a committee to find the truth in what I have said, if proved wrong, will resign, no apology.”

At the event in Belgavi on Monday, Jarkiholi had also said that the word “Hindu” originates from the region that now comprises Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. “What is the connection of the word Hindu with India?” he had asked. “Then how can you accept it? This should be debated.”

Commenting on the remarks, Karnataka Minister for Higher Education Ashwathnarayan CN said that the Congress should respect the culture and sentiments of citizens, NDTV reported. “They should not be creating confusion,” he said. “Respect the sentiments, respect the culture instead of being critical. Don’t create unnecessary controversies, it is not good in the interest of the societies.”

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accused the Congress MLA of trying to vitiate the atmosphere in society through such statements and said that his statements have hurt the sentiments of citizens.

“The Congress party is indulging in appeasement politics with such statements just for the sake of votes,” he said.

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the party unequivocally condemns the remarks attributed to Jarkiholi.

“Hinduism is a way of life and a civilisational reality,” he said. “Congress built our Nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India. The statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally.”