New Delhi, Dec 23 (UNI) A controversy has erupted in the national capital after a video purpotedly showing a BJP councillor admonishing a foreign national of African origin in a public park went viral on social media.
The incident has put BJP councillor Renu Chaudhary, elected from Patparganj, at the centre of a heated debate over alleged misconduct and intolerance toward foreign residents.
According to reports, the incident occurred when the African national was spending time peacefully in a park. In the viral video, the councillor is seen telling him to learn Hindi, with her tone described by viewers as aggressive and warning in nature. The clip has triggered sharp reactions online, with several users terming the remarks discriminatory and reflective of intolerance toward foreign nationals.
Responding to the controversy, Chaudhary issued a clarification, stating that the African national in question has been residing in the area for nearly 15 years and works as a private football coach. She claimed that on the day of the incident, around 20 African nationals were present at the ground.
Chaudhary said most Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) staff are not proficient in English, while the foreign coaches, despite living in the area for years, do not understand basic Hindi, leading to communication gaps and misunderstandings. She asserted that her remarks were aimed at easing communication, not at threatening or humiliating anyone.
The councillor further alleged that residents in her area have been troubled by the growing drug menace and that she had received complaints in this regard, prompting her visit to the park. She denied any intent to intimidate the foreign nationals and maintained that her advice to learn Hindi was meant to facilitate better interaction.
As the controversy escalated, Chaudhary on Tuesday issued a statement on social media expressing regret. “Listening to complaints is the responsibility of an elected representative, and I was discharging that duty. If my words have hurt anyone, I express my regret,” she said.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has also taken cognisance of the matter and issued a statement on the controversy. Sachdeva said he had watched the video late on Monday night and felt that such situations should be avoided.
“Sports is a field that connects children and the nation, and sport has no language. The style adopted by our councillor was not appropriate,” he said.
He added that the councillor had been counselled and had already expressed regret and apologised by uploading a video on social media. Sachdeva further said he had instructed the district president of local BJP unit to visit the ground, interact with the children, and assess what facilities could be provided to them.
BJP councillor’s ‘learn Hindi’ remark triggers row
