"I regret and repent the remarks which have hurt some persons," Singh said in a statement here.
During an interview to a news channel, Singh had said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav did not want to take independent MLA Raja Bhaiya in his Cabinet and did so under pressure.
"Raja Bhaiya has helped the party in difficult times. He is a trusted associate of the party. I have respect for him," Singh said.
