An episode of BBC Asian Networks' 'Big Debate’ radio show is facing massive outrage on the social media platforms after a caller during abused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother during LIVE broadcast of the show.
The debate in the show roped in discussions about racism against Sikhs and Indians in the UK. However, the overall conversation steered towards the ongoing protests in Delhi following three Agri reforms bill passed by the Indian government and the ongoing farmers' protest in the national capital.
In course of the show, one of the speakers used unparliamentary language and expletives against PM Modi and his mother - Heeraben Modi.
An audio recording of that portion of the show was later shared on Twitter and has been making rounds since then. The netizens upon hearing the clip slammed the show, as well as the organisation for taking the abusive comments, live on air.
The British-Indian community have also raised objection to the show, which went on Air on March 1. It also asked OFCOM, UK government-approved regulatory and competition authority for broadcasting, to review the broadcaster's license over the objectionable statement
A Twitter handle called Kiran Bilakhia in a post said, "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." Another user on the micro-blogging site said, "Absolutely abhorrent language".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Absolutely abhorrent language 😠</p>— ajay jobanputra (@jobanputra_ajay) <a >March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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.</p>— Kiran BILAKHIA (@BilakhiaKiran) <a >March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS IS BBC HIDDEN AGENDA .. NO EXCUSE FOF THIS. BBC IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE</p>— PT S KUMAR (@PTSUKUMAR) <a >March 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a >@Ofcom</a> This is absolutely disgusting! <a >@bbcasiannetwork</a> BBC Asian Network needs to be held accountable for such vile language used during the day when minors can be listening and such disgraceful words used against India’s Honourable Prime Ministers mother. Serious action needed!!</p>— Neel Sattani (@NeelSattani) <a >March 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a >@Ofcom</a> this is a serious breach of the broadcasting code on offensive language. Broadcast at a time when minors would be listening. Please investigate.</p>— Hitesh Kukadia (@HiteshKukadia) <a >March 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
BBC Asian Network's statement on offensive phone-in show:
“As with any live broadcast, we take great care to ensure all callers are briefed about their language before going on air. On this occasion we apologised to listeners twice afterwards for any offence caused.”
The programme has been edited on BBC Sounds to remove the offensive comments, keeping in line with the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
The contributor has been featured on the programme before and was well aware of the BBC’s strict guidelines for language during live shows.
Meanwhile, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh continue to camp at the borders of the national capital holding protest against the three farm bills enacted by the central government last year. Though the two sides are in continuous efforts to simmer down the debate, yet all the rounds of negotiations stand inconclusive.