India, Aug. 5 -- Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Wednesday, Aug 5, expressed regret over his remarks about women using the state's free Priyadarshini bus travel scheme, saying he had no intention of hurting or insulting anyone.

John said he should have been more careful in his choice of words and acknowledged that he should not have made the remarks.

"I should have been careful about my choice of words. I should not have said so. I have no false ego and no problem expressing regret if my remarks have hurt anyone," he told reporters.

The controversy erupted after John said at a meeting of private bus owners that women who use the free travel scheme and government hospitals prefer to educate their children in private schools.

He s...