New Delhi: Relations between the Janata Dal (United) and its ally BJP strained after the former on Thursday called on the saffron party to initiate action against its spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla for comments he made targeting an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader. The JDU said that the remarks had caused considerable wrath among the Purvanchali community. In a statement, JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad stated, “Poonawalla has committed a mistake. His comments have caused deep displeasure among people from Purvanchal. The JDU seeks action from the BJP’s leadership against Poonawalla for his comments.”
How did the row take place
The controversy broke out during a heated TV debate on Wednesday, when Poonawalla made a comment about AAP MLA Rituraj Jha’s surname. The swipe, which followed Jha’s use of Poonawalla’s surname to target him, was dubbed as abusive by the AAP. While Poonawalla has denied making any abusive remarks, accusing the AAP of spreading falsehoods and attempting character assassination, the incident has also drawn flak from within the BJP.
Call for apology
BJP MP and prominent Purvanchali leader Manoj Tiwari voiced his strong disapproval of Poonawalla’s remarks, dubbing them as inappropriate. He urged both Poonawalla and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to issue an apology for using offensive language against the Purvanchali community. Tiwari underlined the need for respect and sensitivity towards the community, flaying the use of such language in political discourse.
Taking to X, Tiwari said, “I strongly condemn the comments made by Shehzad Poonawalla during the TV debate. Even if you are provoked, the party expects its members to remain sensitive and uphold decorum. I trust the party will take appropriate action, and I urge Shehzad Poonawalla to say sorry without any further comments.” Tiwari also urged all political parties to refrain from targeting persons based on their caste, state, or community.
The Purvanchali community is made of migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It plays a vital role in Delhi’s electoral landscape. Their concerns assume importance as the assembly elections are around the corner. The elections are set to be held on February 5, and its results will be declared on February 8.
