BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla apologises for controversial remarks on AAP MLA's surname

NEW DELHI: BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday issued an apology for his contentious comments about AAP MLA Rituraj Jha's surname, as his party attempted to resolve the controversy.

"I tender an apology with folded hands to all my Purvanchali brothers and sisters. My words have hurt them. I do not want to offer any justification," Poonawalla said in a video message posted on X.

During a television news debate on Wednesday, Poonawalla had made a derogatory comment about Jha's surname, which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly condemned as offensive. This occurred after Jha had previously mocked Poonawalla's surname.

The BJP's alliance partner, Janata Dal (United), joined other opposition parties in criticising Poonawalla and demanded disciplinary action against him.

In Delhi's context, Purvanchal generally includes eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Residents from these regions constitute a significant portion of Delhi's population and have become a crucial electoral demographic.

The upcoming Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The electoral battle is primarily between the incumbent AAP, which has governed Delhi since 2015, and the BJP. The Congress party is striving to reclaim its influence in the city, where it previously held power for 15 consecutive years until 2013.