Never used the word rape: Paul

"I never used the word rape. I said raid," Paul told news channels.

He said he was ready to face any probe in connection with the matter.

Paul triggered a fresh controversy by uttering in a village called Chowmaha in West Bengal that he would unleash his boys to rape the opposition members (read CPI-M) and eliminate them.

"I will not spare anyone. We will eliminate the entire families [opposition] if our people are attacked," said Paul, according to a video footage on TV channels being aired on Monday.

"I will unleash my boys and they will rape them," he said as some of his supporters lustily cheered.

"I am very angry. I warn the Opposition," he said, threatening to kill the rivals and wipe out their entire dynasties.

"I show them my shoes," said Paul, as he took off his shoes and showed them and then added that he would act not as an MP but as a Trinamool Congress worker.

Paul said he carries a firearm and will not hesitate to use it.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien tweeted disapproving the remarks of Paul.

"Sensitive use of language is an obligation for role models in culture, politics and society. If that code is breached, public trust is lost. Whatever provocation or perceived provocation, people in public life have to be extra-careful in what they say. Can't shoot your mouth off," said Derek O'Brien.

"Statements made by Mr Tapas Pal are very insensitive. We do not in any way endorse what he said weeks ago, being played on TV today," he said.

Opposition reacted sharply.

"The chief minister should apologize for this publicly," said opposition CPI-M leader Sujan Dutta.