Bhopal/Shivpuri, April 23 Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Legislative Assembly Preetam Singh Lodhi on Thursday issued a public apology after using derogatory language against a senior police officer, as the controversy intensified across Madhya Pradesh.
He said he was deeply hurt when the police paraded his son in public and, driven by these emotions, used some inappropriate language against police officials, for which he sincerely apologised.
Lodhi’s statement came after a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Bharatiya Janata Party state president Hemant Khandelwal at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal on Thursday.
He added that he will be mindful of his choice of words and adhere to the party's guidelines.
Meanwhile, Lodhi also said that he has submitted his reply to the Chief Minister and the state Bharatiya Janata Party chief and requested an inquiry into the incident.
He said he has submitted a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state Bharatiya Janata Party chief Hemant Khandelwal, urging them to conduct a thorough investigation, and that he will be mindful of his words and follow party guidelines.
A day earlier, Khandelwal had issued a show-cause notice to the Pichhore Member of Legislative Assembly. The notice described Lodhi’s conduct as “highly objectionable” and against party discipline, and asked him to reply within three days.
The row began after a video of Lodhi went viral. In the clip, he was seen confronting Karera Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Ayush Jakhar and questioning his authority.
He said Karera is not his “daddy’s fiefdom” and that his son will come there and contest elections, adding that if his “daddy” has the courage, he should stop his son.
He also threatened to gather a large number of supporters and march to the officer’s residence, warning of further action. The remarks drew sharp criticism from different sections.
The issue is linked to an April 16 road accident involving Lodhi’s son, Dinesh Lodhi. He allegedly drove a Thar sport utility vehicle into five people, injuring two women and three men on a motorcycle.
Police registered a First Information Report and seized the vehicle. The action led to tension between the Member of Legislative Assembly and the police.
The matter has sparked wider reactions. The Indian Police Service Association wrote to the Chief Minister seeking strict action, calling the remarks an insult to the administrative system.
Opposition leaders also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar accused the party of protecting wrongdoing.
Protests were held in Shivpuri by Bhim Army members. The Sahariya Kranti Sangathan also warned of agitation.
As pressure increased, Lodhi claimed that his remarks were misrepresented. However, his apology is being seen as an effort to ease the situation.
--IANS
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