Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya (File photo)
NEW DELHI: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology for his recent social media remarks after a video featuring him with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya triggered a backlash.In a post on X, Lalit Modi said he never intended to offend anyone, particularly the Indian government, and claimed his comments had been “misconstrued”.“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian government, for whom I have the highest respect and regard. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again, my deepest apologies,” he wrote. The apology came after a video alongside Vijay Mallya, where he jokingly referred to himself and Mallya as “the two biggest fugitives of India”. The remark drew sharp criticism soon after the video went viral.Lalit Modi had shared the clip on social media with the caption: “Let me do something to break the internet again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya. Love u.”After the video surfaced, the ministry of external affairs reiterated India’s position on those facing charges at home but living abroad.“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and are wanted by law in India return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments, and processes are on,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.Lalit Modi, a former cricket administrator and the founder of the Indian Premier League, left India in 2010 after investigations were initiated into alleged financial irregularities linked to the league’s early years. He has remained overseas since.
