Renowned educator Avadh Ojha responded on Friday to the controversy surrounding his recent interview with BBC Hindi. Ojha faced criticism after the interview was abruptly ended when he was asked uncomfortable questions.
In a post on X, Ojha, who recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), called the incident unfortunate and admitted that a party worker’s decision to ask the interviewer to wrap up the discussion was inappropriate.
"What kind of teacher doesn’t answer questions? Yesterday, I had an excellent interview with BBC. Be sure to watch it. Unfortunately, during the interview, one of our volunteers unknowingly interrupted the journalist, which was absolutely inappropriate," Ojha wrote in Hindi.
Defending the AAP worker, Ojha added, "Some people are calling for him to be punished or dismissed. However, I believe punishing him is not appropriate, as it was an honest mistake made in the heat of the moment. As for me, I’m always ready to answer any question. Being a teacher, questions are my source of energy."
He concluded his post by saying, "And don’t forget— Hamesha Dosti Bani Rahe (may our friendship always remain strong)!"
A clip of the interview went viral on social media on Thursday. The video shows the interview being abruptly halted by party workers when BBC News Hindi reporter Anshul Singh questioned Ojha about his past praises for BJP leaders and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
During the interview, Singh asked if Ojha would continue to appreciate BJP leaders like UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, despite his new political affiliation. Ojha began his response by emphasising that acknowledging someone’s merits reflects a positive attitude, citing examples such as cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praising Brian Lara.
However, the conversation was interrupted by an unidentified voice in the background, saying, "I had told you not to ask any odd questions. Stop this."
Singh defended his line of questioning, asking Ojha if his query was objectionable. Ojha responded, "The party will decide the line. This is what these people will decide," before removing his lapel mic.
BBC News Hindi, in the description of the uploaded video, stated that AAP functionaries “stopped the recording midway” and “did not let the conversation finish.”
