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BBC Faces Criticism For Permitting Offensive Comments On-Air Against PM Modi’s Mother

 

A radio show which was hosting a discussion about the racism that Indians and the Sikh community face in the United Kingdom, quickly turned into a row over the ongoing farmers' protests in New Delhi against the Centre's new agriculture laws and then one of the callers in the course of the show used derogatory words for PM Modi's mother, Heeraben Modi. 

An audio clip of the incident was shared on Twitter that created massive outrage.

People criticised the radio show makers for not objecting to the remarks. Many also slammed the organisation for permitting the airing of the offensive comments. 

The audio clip has gone viral on social media and many on Twitter expressed outrage over the comments.

In the past as well, offensive remarks have been made against PM Modi. However, the language used in the BBC radio programme against his mother crossed the limits and decency of public discourse. What's more shocking is that the derogatory words were allowed to be aired on the BBC platform, which is an internationally reputed media network. The program was broadcast on March 1 and the offensive words were used at 10:53 am.

The distasteful comment was made during a discussion on the topic of racism against Sikhs and Indians in the UK but it eventually veered towards the ongoing farmers' protest in India. The vulgar remarks were made by one of the callers who was identified as 'Simon'.

While the radio show's host immediately tried to divert the conversation back to the original topic of discussion, the remarks were nonetheless put on air.

Following the move, #BoycottBBC started to trend on Twitter. #BanBBC was another top trend.

Hundreds of farmers, especially from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting against three new farm laws passed by the Modi government during the Monsoon Session in 2020. The agitating kisans have been demanding a complete withdrawal of Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, which were were passed by Parliament last September.


04-03-2021


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