Government on Friday took 'serious exception' to two Indian news channels airing video clips depicting a man dressed up as Mahatma Gandhi performing a pole dance, and said action will be taken against them.

An official statement said Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi took serious exception to the airing of the clip, copied from website youtube.com, as it tantamount to 'an assault to the dignity of the Father of the Nation.'

The minister directed the I&B ministry to give 'due cognizance to the matter and take necessary action, as per law.'

The minister sought to ensure an expression of profound apology to the nation by both the channels -- IBN7 and Sahara -- in their telecast during prime time on Friday, the statement said.

The footage in question showed a man dressed as Gandhi resorting to violence, carrying a dagger, and making obscene gestures and a pole dance.