BJP MP Manoj Tiwari Condemns Shehzad Poonawalla's Remarks During TV Debate
Calls for Apology After Objectionable Statement Made Against AAP Spokesperson
-
Manoj Tiwari, BJP MP, publicly condemns remarks made by BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.
-
The remarks were part of a heated debate with AAP's Rituraj Jha.
-
Tiwari emphasizes the need for BJP spokespersons to maintain decorum, regardless of provocation.
-
He expects the BJP to address the issue and hopes for an apology from Poonawalla.
BJP MP from North East Delhi, Manoj Tiwari, has openly criticized BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla for his remarks during a recent televised debate with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Rituraj Jha. In a statement released to the public, Tiwari expressed his strong disapproval of the language used by Poonawalla, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a level of decorum expected from BJP representatives.
Tiwari's statement came after a debate that aired on national television where the discussion escalated, leading to what many viewed as an unacceptable exchange. "I want to address an objectionable statement made during a debate yesterday on a channel between BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla and Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Rituraj Jha. I strongly condemn it," Tiwari declared. He underscored that regardless of how heated the debate might become, BJP spokespersons are expected to exhibit a cultured and thoughtful demeanor.
Watch: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari says, "I want to address an objectionable statement made during a debate yesterday on a channel between BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla and Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Rituraj Jha. I strongly condemn it. Regardless of provocation, we expect our BJP… pic.twitter.com/NhhAjYjpDm
— IANS (@ians_india) January 15, 2025
The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has often been portrayed as advocating for a disciplined and respectful approach in political discourse, and Tiwari's remarks align with this ethos. He further stated, "The party expects this from them. Therefore, I condemn the words spoken by Poonawalla. I trust that the party will take cognizance of this matter, and I hope Shehzad Poonawalla will apologize without any further commentary."
This incident highlights the internal expectations within the BJP for maintaining a certain standard of political conduct, especially in public forums where debates are broadcasted to millions. The call for an apology from Poonawalla by a senior party member like Tiwari signals that the BJP intends to uphold its image of civility, even amidst the often chaotic landscape of Indian political debates.
The reaction to Tiwari's statement has been mixed on social media, with some praising his stance on decorum while others debate the extent to which political debates should be policed for language and tone. This event also raises questions about the dynamics within political parties when it comes to managing public statements and the personal accountability of spokespersons.
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to observe whether Poonawalla offers the anticipated apology and how this might affect his role within the BJP's communication strategy moving forward. More broadly, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge political parties face in ensuring their representatives adhere to a standard of public behavior that reflects their party's values.