BJP councillor apologises for her learn Hindi remark

BJP councillor Renu Chaudhary on Tuesday issued an apology after a purported video in which she threatened an African national to learn Hindi within a month went viral on social media. The purpoted video triggered widespread criticism.

The purported video showed Ms. Chaudhary, a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) councillor from Patparganj, confronting a football coach at an MCD park in Mayur Vihar Phase I and demanding that he “learn Hindi within a month or face consequences”.

Ms. Chaudhary deleted the original video from her Instagram account and later uploaded two separate videos.

In one of the videos, she said, “If my words have hurt anyone unintentionally or caused inconvenience, I sincerely apologise and regret that.” She also said that the park is meant for children to play and attend coaching sessions. “The MCD park is for the kids to play. We will provide all necessary facilities at the park. I hope the kids continue to play in the park,” she added.

Explaining her duties as a councillor, she said, “I had visited the park to fulfil my responsibilities and to address residents’ complaints related to the park.”

‘Words not appropriate’

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva also responded, saying he had watched the video on Monday night. “I did not find the words used by the councillor appropriate. Sports cannot be associated with any language,” he said. He added that Ms. Chaudhary regrets her remarks and has uploaded an apology video.

Mr. Sachdeva further said that he had asked a party member to meet the children and the coach to ensure they were provided with the necessary facilities at the park.