Sri Vijaya Puram, June 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday rejected allegations arising from a viral audio clip purportedly involving its State President, asserting that the recording had been edited, taken out of context and circulated to create a misleading narrative. The party maintained that the conversation related solely to organisational discipline and had no connection with any personal, financial or healthcare-related matter.
Addressing a press conference , BJP leaders said the party convened the media interaction specifically to present its version of the controversy after the audio clip triggered political debate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The party alleged that only selected portions of the conversation had been circulated while the complete recording remained unavailable, resulting in what it described as a distorted interpretation of the discussion.
According to the BJP, the conversation centred on organisational responsibilities assigned to a party functionary during the ongoing organisational election process and preparations for International Yoga Day programmes. Party leaders stated that the individual concerned had not fulfilled responsibilities entrusted to him, leading the leadership to advise that he either voluntarily step down from his organisational position or accept a reduced role while focusing on his business activities.
Anil Tiwari the State President of BJP initially refrained from responding to the controversy but later decided to address the allegations publicly, arguing that repeated misinformation, if left unanswered, could eventually be accepted as fact. He maintained that the BJP functions as an ideological organisation committed to internal discipline and organisational accountability.
Explaining the context of the conversation, tiwari said party responsibilities had been assigned to office-bearers across the islands until July 6 as part of the organisational election process. According to Tiwari, complaints regarding the conduct of International Yoga Day programmes prompted the leadership to review the performance of certain office-bearers.
The BJP leader stated that his advice to the party worker was intended to support rather than remove him from the organisation. tiwari said individuals unable to devote adequate time to organisational responsibilities because of business commitments should first establish financial stability before taking on larger political responsibilities. According to Tiwari, the party has consistently encouraged workers to become financially independent while continuing their organisational work.
Rejecting allegations linking Tiwari to financial impropriety or irregularities in the healthcare sector, the State President said neither he nor the BJP would defend any wrongdoing. He stated that if any party worker, including himself, were found guilty of cheating the public or involvement in any scam, he would apologise without hesitation. However, he questioned why such allegations surfaced only after the circulation of the viral audio, suggesting the timing warranted scrutiny.
The Anil Tiwari also referred to his public record, stating that he had served for fourteen years as an Executive Member of the Chamber of Commerce without facing allegations of financial misconduct. He said his efforts had consistently focused on supporting entrepreneurs, resolving public grievances, assisting workers and addressing developmental issues across the islands.
According to Tiwari, the party continues to work on matters relating to employment opportunities for local youth, drinking water supply and other public concerns through discussions with senior party leaders and committees. He added that managing organisational responsibilities across the islands required continuous public engagement and extensive interaction with residents.
Responding to criticism from political opponents, BJP leaders said those making allegations should examine their own political conduct before accusing others of corruption or misconduct. They alleged that edited audio and video clips had been selectively circulated to create a false narrative while ignoring the complete context of the conversation.
The party also rejected attempts to politicise the debate over “outsiders” and “islanders.” BJP leaders argued that residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have migrated from different parts of India over several generations and that every citizen has the constitutional right to live and work anywhere in the country. They maintained that politics should not create divisions between mainland residents and islanders.
Speaking about his personal association with the islands, Anil Tiwari the State President said he had spent nearly four decades in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, completed his education there and built relationships across communities. He stated that throughout his political career he had confined his criticism to political issues rather than personal attacks.
He further observed that several leaders presently associated with the BJP had previously belonged to other political parties, including the Congress, and argued that democracy should be guided by dialogue, ideological debate and mutual respect instead of personal hostility.
The BJP also highlighted the role of party workers, stating that organisational activities are largely sustained through their personal commitment and financial sacrifices, including travel and operational expenses incurred without remuneration. The party appealed for preserving social harmony and political dignity in the islands.
Concluding the press conference, BJP leaders urged the media to report developments fairly and responsibly by presenting complete facts rather than edited or selective material. The party reiterated that the viral audio should be viewed in its full context and maintained that its leadership remained committed to organisational discipline, public service and the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
