'I Seek Forgiveness': Kiran Bedi Tenders Apology After Backlash Over Her Joke On Sikhs

The former IPS officer stroked a controversy after a video went viral on social media where she can be heard purportedly cracking a "12'o clock" joke on Sikhs during a book launch event.

Former Puducherry LG Kiran Bedi. (File Photo/ Getty)

Former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Tuesday apologised for her alleged contentious remark on the Sikh community a day ago during a book launch event in Chennai. The former IPS officer stroked a controversy after a video went viral on social media where she can be heard purportedly cracking a "12'o clock" joke on Sikhs during the launch of her book 'Fearless Governance' on Monday. Bedi apology came after Opposition parties including Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded her apology for 'hurting' sentiments of the Sikh community.

"I have highest regards for my community. I am a devotee of Baba Nanak Dev ji. What I said to the audience even at my own cost (as I also belong here) be kindly not misread.I seek forgiveness for this.I am the last person to cause any hurt. I believe in Seva & loving kindness," Bedi tweeted. 

I have highest regards for my community. I am a devotee of Baba Nanak Dev ji. What I said to the audience even at my own cost (as I also belong here) be kindly not misread.I seek forgiveness for this.I am the last person to cause any hurt. I believe in Seva & loving kindness 🙏

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 14, 2022

"We did Path and Seva same morning. I am a devotee. I seek Baba’s blessings all the way. I started the day with Path in the house. Please do not doubt my intention. I have the highest regards and admiration for my community and my Faith," she added.

We did Path and Seva same morning. I am a devotee. I seek Baba’s blessings all the way. I started the day with Path in the house. Please do not doubt my intention. I have the highest regards and admiration for my community and my Faith. pic.twitter.com/ClW0DuuyoG

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 14, 2022

Bedi also said that despite regretting her remarks, she has been getting abusive responses from some social media users. 

"Despite having regretted it, I'm receiving very obscene abuses on email, WhatsApp and Twitter. I urge the abusers to refrain from doing so and not put me into a situation where I may have to place them in the public domain. It will be exceedingly embarrassing for the identity of abusers then," she said.

Despite having regretted,I’m receiving very obscene abuses on email,Whatapp, & Twitter handle.
I urge the abusers to refrain from doing & not put me into a situation that I may have to place them in public domain. It will be exceedingly embarrassing for identity of abuser’s then

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 14, 2022

Meanwhile, AAP Punjab in-charge Jarnail Singh condemned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's objectionable remarks. "When the Mughals were looting India and abducting women, the Sikhs fought with them and protected the sisters and daughters. It was 12 o’clock when it was time to attack the Mughals. This is the history of 12 o’clock. Shame on the BJP’s cheap mentality leaders who make fun of Sikhs instead of giving them respectm," he tweeted.