The BBC, a British broadcaster funded by public in the UK, found itself at the receiving end of criticism in India when it came to light that it carried remarks abusive of the Indian Prime Minister on a live Radio Show. It has been widely reported that on the programme ‘BBC Asian Network’s debate’ on the Radio channel BBC Asian Network, that aired on the March 1, 2021, a caller to the show abused the Prime Minister of India and his mother.
It is unfathomable how a public broadcaster like the BBC could allow such offensive, sexist and misogynistic remarks about the Head of the Government of a country and his family on live radio.
In the programme during a discussion on Sikhs’ Turban and Racism in United Kingdom, the call-in participant it is believed used highly offensive phrases in reference to Prime Minister Modi and his mother.
Surprisingly, while the Radio Show has since been uploaded on BBC Digital platforms with an edited version, there is no reference made to the reason for the editing. In the beginning of the show, it is mentioned that “the programme has been edited since broadcast”. The BBC’s silence on the same has raised several questions.
The all-round denouncement the BBC has received over these offensive remarks may be gauged by the fact that the Farmers’ agitation has called the comments on the BBC Radio Program as being filthy and shameful.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called it disgusting and shameful, “Hurts to see such hatred for a mother. Sad that BBC hosts such shows and allows such content to be broadcast on its platform.”
Women Rights Activist Sonam Mahajan appealed to the Indian government to make BBC both accountable and answerable, “The Indian Govt must make BBC both accountable and answerable for proudly airing the views of a Sikh extremist who abused PM Modi’s mother on its live debate. India must not submit to zealots known for taking pride in abusive language. Ban BBC if it doesn’t issue an apology.”
Businessman & Photographer Sumit has requested the Government to ban BBC in India, “Why is BBC still operating in India? Dear Amit Shah, please ban on urgent basis.” Many others have echoed Sumit’s request.
WhatsApp us