Liberal MP Julian Leeser has issued a public apology to the Indian community in his electorate for comments made by his colleague, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. This apology comes amid growing tensions within the Liberal Party regarding Price's remarks about Indian migrants.

Leeser, who serves as the shadow attorney-general, shared his apology in a video posted on Facebook after addressing a gathering at the IABBV Hindi School in Westleigh, New South Wales. In the video, he stated, "I took the opportunity to apologise to the Indian community for any offence they felt from recent comments made by one of my colleagues."

The controversy began when Price suggested that the federal government was favoring Indian migrants to gain votes, a claim that has sparked backlash from both the Indian community and her fellow party members. While Price has since clarified her comments, she has not issued an apology, which has further fueled discontent within the party.

In his speech, Leeser expressed regret over Price's statements, saying, "It pains me to say it, but I feel I have to say it. My colleague Jacinta Price said something this week that I want to apologise unreservedly for." He emphasized the positive contributions of Indian Australians, stating, "The contribution of Indian Australians to this country is fantastic. The Indian community is fantastic. And you know what? India, like Australia, is a democracy."

Price, in a subsequent interview, reiterated her stance without apologizing. She called on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to ask Liberal colleague Alex Hawke to apologize for his handling of the situation. Price stated, "I’ve got a great relationship with Indian members within my own community that I have supported," and expressed disappointment that some colleagues chose to ignore her points about the pressures of mass migration on Australian infrastructure.

The fallout from Price's comments has put pressure on Ley's leadership, as she has declined to apologize on behalf of Price despite acknowledging that the senator's remarks were inappropriate. Ley has faced criticism for not addressing the issue more directly, having refused to apologize three times over the weekend.

In an effort to mend relations with the Indian community, Leeser, along with Ley and other party members, visited businesses in Sydney's Little India precinct. While some businesses welcomed the visit, others refused to engage with the Liberal Party until Price either issued an unconditional apology or was removed from her position as the shadow minister for the defense industry.

As the Liberal Party grapples with this internal conflict, the situation highlights the challenges of maintaining unity and addressing community concerns within the party.