The Bharatiya Janata Party, 53 Tuensang Sardar I, on Saturday, issued an apology after its use of a popular Christian song during an election campaign in Tuensang received widespread criticism.

The video of party members singing a remixed version of a Christian tune in its campaign on 6 February had gone viral and many citizens from the Christian state had objected to it.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Following the incident, the party, in a press release, issued an apology to the public expressing “deep regret, shame and remorse” as its action “has hurt the sentiments of our Christian community”.

The BJP media cell of the Assembly Constituency added, “It was never intended to blaspheme our Saviour Jesus or any religion.”

The party also said that the controversy was the result of “total ignorance and unawareness of our faithful party workers” and asked forgiveness from God.

Further, the 53 Tuensang Sardar I BJP unit said that the incident was an “eye opener in edifying our faith and also make our Naga believers to be more careful and vigilant in future.”