Bhopal/Shivpuri, April 23 (IANS) 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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