NEW DELHI: The Janata Dal (United) on Thursday demanded action from ally BJP against its spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla over remarks he made targeting an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader. The JDU stated that the comments caused significant displeasure among the Purvanchali community.
In a statement, JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, “Poonawalla has made a mistake.
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His comments have caused deep displeasure among people from Purvanchal. The JDU seeks action from the BJP’s leadership against Poonawalla for his comments.”
The controversy started during a heated TV debate on Wednesday, in which Poonawalla made a jibe about AAP MLA Rituraj Jha’s surname. The remark, which came after Jha used Poonawalla’s surname to take a dig at him, was labeled abusive by the AAP.
While Poonawalla has denied abusing anyone, accusing AAP of spreading lies and engaging in character assassination, the incident drew criticism even from within the BJP.
Manoj Tiwari condemns remarks, calls for apology
BJP MP and prominent Purvanchali leader Manoj Tiwari expressed disapproval of Poonawalla’s comments, urging him and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to apologise for using offensive language against the Purvanchali community.
In a video posted on X, Tiwari said, “I strongly condemn the words spoken by Shehzad Poonawalla (in the TV debate). No matter how much anyone provokes you, the party expects its workers to remain sensitive and maintain decorum. The party will take cognisance, I believe, and I want Shehzad Poonawalla to apologise without any further comments.”
Tiwari also called on all political parties to avoid targeting individuals based on caste, state, or community.
Purvanchali influence in Delhi politics
The Purvanchali community, comprising migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, holds significant electoral sway in Delhi. Their concerns are particularly relevant as assembly polls approach, scheduled for February 5 with results to be declared on February 8.
The upcoming election is widely viewed as a direct contest between the ruling AAP, in power since 2015, and the BJP, with the Congress striving to regain its earlier dominance in the capital.
The incident has added a new layer of tension to an already charged political environment, with parties vying for support from the influential Purvanchali vote bank.
