BJP's Manoj Tiwari Demands Apologies from Poonawalla and Kejriwal Over Community Remarks

Manoj Tiwari, BJP's representative for North East Delhi, criticised his party's spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla for comments made against AAP MLA Rituraj Jha. Tiwari demanded apologies from both Poonawalla and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for using offensive language towards the Purvanchali community. In a video on X, Tiwari urged political figures to avoid targeting individuals based on caste or community.

Tiwari expressed disappointment over the derogatory remarks made during a TV debate involving Poonawalla and outgoing AAP MLA Rituraj Jha. "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," he stated.

Political Tensions Rise

Amidst this controversy, AAP MP Sanjay Singh questioned Tiwari's silence regarding the incident. Singh challenged Tiwari to address the abuse directed at Jha, a Maithil Brahmin MLA. "I want to ask BJP MP Manoj Tiwari that a Maithil Brahmin MLA has been abused...Where are you? Why are you not saying anything?" Singh remarked during a press conference.

Sanjay Singh announced that AAP volunteers would protest against the BJP spokesperson across Delhi. This move comes as tensions between BJP and AAP escalate over the issue. Meanwhile, Poonawalla accused AAP of spreading falsehoods about him and declared he would begin a hunger strike until AAP substantiates their claims.

Community Influence in Politics

The Purvanchali community holds significant sway in Delhi's political landscape, comprising about one-third of the city's 1.5 crore voters. Their influence extends over at least 20 Assembly constituencies. Both BJP and AAP have been actively courting this community due to its electoral importance.

Tiwari praised Purvanchalis for their contributions to Delhi's development through hard work. He lamented that derogatory remarks against them have become commonplace. "Staying silent when Purvanchali people are called farzi voters by Kejriwal is not correct," Tiwari emphasised.

In response to the ongoing dispute, Delhi BJP's media head Praveen Shankar Kapoor highlighted Tiwari's stance. Kapoor reiterated that Purvanchalis from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are integral to Delhi's identity, akin to Punjabi, Vaishya, Jat, and Gujjar communities.

Poonawalla took to X to express his grievances against AAP's allegations. "Dear friends, If I die - @AamAadmiParty is solely responsible for it... I am starting a fast unto death because of the lies spread against me by AAP and for my character assassination until AAP proves I abused anybody," he posted.

Tiwari also criticised Sanjay Singh for not condemning Kejriwal's past remarks about Purvanchalis. "I heard Sanjay Singh’s press conference. I condemn the remarks made by Shehzad Poonawalla... but the time has come for you Singh to also condemn Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks," Tiwari asserted.

The ongoing political clash underscores the importance of maintaining respectful discourse in public debates. As both parties vie for support from key voter groups like Purvanchalis, addressing community concerns remains crucial in shaping Delhi's political future.