On February 3, a day after a complaint was filed against Sudhir Chaudhary for making indecent and derogatory remarks against former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the so-called controversial journalist has now issued a so-called apology. An uproar had occurred after a clip of Sudhir Chaudhary commenting on the tribal identity of Soren had gone viral on the internet. In the backdrop of the now arrested Soren being questioned by Enforcement Directorate on charges on money laundering, Chaudhary had used casteist language with regards to Soren based on his tribal (Adivasi) identity and had stated that the tribal former CM will find it difficult in jail, as he is more used to live (just) 40 years back in the jungle (forest) as Adivasi, but now he is used to a luxurious life. Notably, a complaint has been filed against Chaudhary under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by the Aadivasi Sena in Ranchi.
It is essential to note that while the said clip of this self-styled news anchor had gone viral, in his whole 50 minutes news segment that had aired on January 31, Chaudhary made even worse comments targeting the tribal former minister and his family, stating that since the Soren family lives such a “lavish life”, they “do not have the Adivasi touch anymore”. He even questioned whether this wealthy tribal family should be given reservation. Details of the same can be found here.
Today, an unconditional apology statement had been released by Chaudhary for unintentionally hurting the sentiments of the Adivasi community. In the statement, he had said, “I am pained to see baseless charges of insulting tribals directed against me. Criticising Hemant Soren does not tantamount to criticism or insult of tribals. My show focused on how tribal votes are being misused by rich netas. The short video clip being shared by vested interests changes the context of my story to give a misleading message. I have always supported and respected tribals and they have always shown their love to me and my shows.”
He has further stated that “I’m not answerable to everyone who has a Twitter (X) account, but I feel it is my duty to explain myself to my adivasi brothers and sisters. If I have unintentionally hurt their sentiments, I unconditionally apologise to them.”
The statement can be read here:
Here’s my statement in response to all hateful posts directed at me for my show on Hemant Soren’s arrest. pic.twitter.com/IV62wgHwjt
— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) February 3, 2024
As expected, Chaudhary has brushed aside all the onus of attacking a tribal family for their identity while discussing a case of allegations of money laundering and has termed the charges against him as “baseless”. Deeming the same to be an issue taken out of context by “rich netas”, something that Chaudhary himself frequently indulges in, he has not taken the responsibility of the statements made by him. Hiding behind the excuse of vested interests changing the context of his story to give a misleading message, Chaudhary has refused to acknowledge the issue behind the casteist statements made by him.
It is pertinent to highlight here that even after have issued “unconditional apologies”, the ‘x’ (formerly Twitter) account of Aaj Tak still has the 5-minute clip of Chaudhary dissecting the wealth of the Soren family and uttering the preposterous and demeaning statement up on their social media.
क्या आज की रात हेमंत सोरेन के लिए बहुत मुश्किल होने वाली है?#HemantSoren #JharkhandCM #BlackAndWhiteOnAajTak #Jharkhand @sudhirchaudhary (@chitraaum) pic.twitter.com/VHNOTAL1Rd
— AajTak (@aajtak) January 31, 2024
In addition to this, the Youtube channel of Aaj Tak has not removed the video of the 50-minute programme.
Related:
CJP Impact! NBDSA orders AAJ TAK’s Sudhir Chaudhary show to be pulled down, censors second
Another Sudhir Chaudhary show under the scanner for using the term ‘Mazaar Jihad’
CJP files complaint against Sudhir Chaudhary’s show on Aaj Tak for its communal narrative