'The Hindu' apologizes after PR Agency inserts misleading remarks in Kerala CM’s interview
New Delhi: The Hindu newspaper has expressed regret over the controversial remarks in the interview of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The publication clarified that the reference to Malappuram was inserted by a PR agency and was not part of the interview conducted by its journalist, Shobhana Nair.
According to the statement issued by The Hindu, a PR agency named Kaizen had approached them, offering the opportunity to interview the Chief Minister. However, the remarks in question, including references to gold smuggling and claims that the money was used for anti-national activities, were not stated by the Chief Minister but were written by the agency.
The newspaper's clarification follows an investigation conducted after the interview stirred controversy and drew criticism from various quarters. In its explanation, The Hindu admitted to a lapse in editorial oversight and offered an unconditional apology.
The clarification was prompted by a letter from the Chief Minister’s office to the editor of The Hindu, seeking a correction and explanation for the erroneous report. The Chief Minister’s office had stressed that no region or specific words like ‘anti-national’ were mentioned during the interview. The office expressed concerns that the published report misrepresented the Chief Minister’s statements, causing unnecessary controversy and misinterpretation.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
