In an episode of ‘Big Debate’, a BBC radio show, on alleged racism against Sikhs and Indians in the United Kingdom, one of the callers used offensive words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, Heeraben Modi. This triggered an immediate backlash on Twitter with #BoycottBBC and #BanBBC becoming the top trends within hours. 

In a purported audio from the show aired on Monday and being shared on Twitter,  a caller named Simon, can be heard using offensive words in Punjabi in response to a question. This drew immediate criticism and condemnation from users.  

The remarks were made when the discussion digressed towards the ongoining farmers’ agitation in India. 

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A user wrote, ” BBC should be banned from India,forever.” Another wrote, “It’s time to Boycott BBC. Shame on you BBC.”

A user said he did not support PM Modi but would not tolerate such behaviour. “No matter I am against current govt and BJP
But at the same time we have no right to abuses PM’s mother.” 

“India will not tolerate insult of an India,” a Twitter user commented. “Disgusting and nauseating”, said another.

“Would the BBC like to apologise for not vetting people before they are allowed on their programmes? Such language is not becoming for what used to be a respectable institution,” a Twitter user said.

The programme was later edited and the offensive part removed. In the edited programme, anchor Priya Rai apologised for the incident. “We would like to apologise for the language used by a guest earlier. It’s a live show and we discuss controversial issues but there was no reason for the type of language that was used and I’d like to say sorry again for any offence that was caused,” Rai said.

Several foreign personalities have in the past few months expressed their views on the farmer’s protest in India drawing criticism from within India. Prominent among those who commented are pop singer Rihanna, former porn actor Mia Khalifa,  lawyer and activist Meena Harris.

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