Kumar Vishwas apologises for Muharram comments

After Janata Dal (United) MLA Shoaib Iqbal threatened to withdraw support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi over a poor comment related to the solemn occasion of Muharram, party leader Kumar Vishwas has issued an apology in a bid to restore calm.

Vishwas, who is alleged to have made a joke about Muharram, said he was sorry if he had hurt the sentiments of any religion.

"I have already apologized for it, but still if anyone is hurt by this, then I again apologize," he said

"My aim was not to hurt the sentiments of anyone. The video clipping he (Iqbal) is talking about has been edited before being released," he added.

Iqbal, who had supported AAP during vote of confidence and speaker election, had earlier threatened to withdraw support.

Citing a video where Vishwas has allegedly joked about Muharram during one of his performances, Iqbal said he will raise the issue in the Delhi assembly.

"This kind of use of language about a religious event is shocking and extremely derogatory," he said.

"If he (Kumar Vishwas) apologizes, then the issue is resolved, otherwise we might think of withdrawing support," he added.