The controversy that erupted from a BJP spokesperson’s remarks against AAP MLA Rituraj Jha during a live television debate has snowballed, with BJP’s alliance partner in Bihar, JD(U), urging BJP to take action against Poonawalla for causing “deep anguish among people from Poorvanchal.”
JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan on Thursday stated, “Politicians should be completely sensitive while speaking on issues related to caste, religion, and community. Shehzad Poonawalla has made a mistake. His statement has deeply angered the people of Poorvanchal. We have also taken note of his remarks. Based on his statement, we demand action against him.”
VIDEO | JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan urges BJP to act against its spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla for his comments, which, Ranjan says, have caused deep anguish among people from Poorvanchal.
“Politicians should be completely sensitive while speaking on issues related to… pic.twitter.com/A5lS7GKghd
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2025
JD(U)’s response comes a day after BJP MP Manoj Tiwari himself condemned Poonawalla’s remark and demanded his apology without any further commentary on the matter.
Tiwari said that he expects the party to take cognizance of the issue.
The controversy erupted during a live TV debate on Tuesday when BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla allegedly used derogatory language against an AAP legislator.
During the debate, the BJP spokesperson and AAP MLA traded barbs. AAP MLA called Poonawalla ‘Chunawalla’, while the BJP spokesperson retorted by saying “Jha 2 ho aap.”
AAP Attacks BJP
Attacking BJP over Poonawall’s statement, the AAP in a social media post said, “”BJP spokesperson hurled abusive words at Purvanchal MLA Rituraj Jha on a national channel. This is an insult to the Maithili Brahmin community and an insult to all Purvanchali people.”
