BJP sets new rules for TV debates after Nupur Sharma row

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set new rules for party’s spokespersons who appear as panellists in TV news debates. Ever since the suspended BJP’s spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks during a TV debate on Prophet Muhammad drew international condemnation, the BJP has swung in action.

The party also released a statement saying it respects all religions and denounces disrespect to any religion personality. Later, Nupur Sharma also unconditionally withdrew her statement.

The party also distanced itself from Sharma’s comments after an international furore. It called the statement as a "fringe view".  It also expelled Delhi State media head Naveen Jindal after he made derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad and Islam on Twitter. 

What are the new rules?

• As per sources who talked to India Today, only official spokesperson that have been cleared by the party can appear on the TV debates. Party's media cell will be assigning spokespersons for the show.
• The spokespersons have been asked not to criticise any religion, its figures or symbols.
• The BJP has clearly mentioned that spokespersons should use measured language in debates. It has asked the panelists not to lose cool even when a debate heats up.
• The panelists also have been asked to be well prepared on the topics before the debates. “Prepare for debates and find out the party line on it”, BJP sources told India Today.
• The panelists have been asked not to move away from the topic. They have also been asked to inform the public about the work done for the welfare of the people by the party.

More than 15 Islamic countries from the Gulf region including Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, Bahrain have expressed their discontent on the recent remarks by on Prophet Muhammad.