– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticised BJP following a controversial statement by BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who referred to Punjabis travelling in vehicles with Punjab licence plates in Delhi as a “threat to national security” on the Republic Day. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal described the remarks as a grave insult to the pride of Punjabis and demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Kejriwal asked, “Does the BJP view all Punjabis as terrorists or traitors?” and called for immediate action against the offensive statement.
Kejriwal expressed personal hurt over Verma’s remarks, stating, “Parvesh Verma’s comments questioning the contribution of Punjabis are deeply troubling.”
Highlighting the Punjabi community’s contributions to the nation, Kejriwal said, “Punjabis have played a pivotal role in shaping Delhi’s development. Many Punjabis endured immense hardship during the Partition in 1947 and rebuilt their lives in Delhi, contributing significantly to its growth and prosperity. Their sacrifices for the nation are unparalleled.”
Calling Verma’s remarks divisive, Kejriwal declared, “This BJP leader is attacking Punjabis in both Delhi and Punjab. Such rhetoric is unacceptable. Amit Shah must apologise to the Punjabi community and the nation for this disrespectful statement.”
Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also denounced Verma’s remarks, calling them an affront to both Sikh and Punjabi communities. He accused Verma of labelling Punjabis as a “threat” to Republic Day celebrations.
Singh said, “You are accusing the descendants of heroes like Shaheed Bhagat Singh of being terrorists. Punjabis, who have sacrificed so much for this nation, deserve respect, not such baseless accusations.”
Criticising BJP’s hypocrisy, Singh added, “The BJP has welcomed Bangladeshi infiltrators but labels law-abiding Punjabis as threats. This is shameful and unacceptable.”
He further claimed that BJP’s business allies benefit from deals with Bangladesh, yet Punjabis face unwarranted accusations.
Singh also highlighted recent incidents of violence and intimidation against AAP workers in Delhi, calling for the Election Commission to take action. “BJP’s hooliganism must be stopped. Our workers will continue campaigning despite these tactics,” he asserted.
Singh vowed that the Punjabi community would respond to this insult through the power of their votes, emphasising that BJP’s divisive rhetoric would not go unanswered.
