The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday organized widespread demonstrations across Punjab, leveling serious accusations against its political rivals. The party charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with deliberately circulating a manipulated video of senior leader Atishi, an act they claim has gravely wounded religious sentiments.
Forensic Report Confirms Video Tampering, FIR Lodged
At the heart of the controversy is a video clip from the Delhi Assembly that was allegedly edited. The AAP has termed this act as 'beadbi' (sacrilege) of the Guru Sahib, done for narrow political gains. The party revealed that an official police complaint has been registered in the matter. Crucially, a forensic examination of the clip has reportedly confirmed deliberate manipulation, lending weight to AAP's allegations.
The Jalandhar police commissionerate took action on Friday, filing a First Information Report (FIR) concerning the uploading and circulation of this 'edited' and 'doctored' video of Atishi. The clip was used by Delhi BJP leaders, including law minister Kapil Mishra, on Tuesday. They alleged that Atishi had insulted Guru Tegh Bahadur during an assembly debate about a Delhi government event marking the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru last November.
Delhi Assembly and AAP Leaders Condemn the Act
The Delhi Assembly has taken serious note of the incident. Speaker Vijender Gupta stated that strict action would be initiated against the Jalandhar police commissioner for 'breach of privilege', asserting that the video clip is the property of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha. Meanwhile, AAP's top leadership launched a scathing attack on the opposition.
Manish Sisodia, senior AAP leader and the party's Punjab in-charge, declared that those who circulate fake videos to insult Guru Sahibs for petty politics deserve the strictest punishment. In a post on social media platform X, Sisodia said public anger against such leaders is justified and demanded they be sent to jail. He accused leaders from the BJP, Congress, and SAD of sharing the edited video in a coordinated attempt to spread misinformation.
Statewide Protests Target Opposition Leaders' Homes
On the ground, hundreds of AAP workers held vigorous demonstrations outside the residences of key opposition figures in Punjab on Saturday. The protest sites included:
- The home of BJP leader Ashwani Sharma in Pathankot.
- Congress leader Pargat Singh's residence in Jalandhar cantonment.
- SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal's house in Lambi.
- The residence of Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira in Bholath.
Addressing protesters in Jalandhar, Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat claimed the opposition parties have resorted to false propaganda because they have failed to challenge the Bhagwant Mann government on issues of development and governance. He asserted that leaders from all three parties knowingly circulated the edited video to mislead the public.
Atishi's Emotional Rebuttal and Personal Connect
Atishi herself issued a strong rebuttal, accusing the BJP of indulging in cheap politics by dragging the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur into the controversy. In a video post on X, she clarified the context of her original speech. She stated she was actually talking about the BJP running away from a discussion on pollution and about their protest in the Assembly concerning stray dogs.
She claimed the BJP deliberately added false subtitles and inserted the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur into the clip. In an emotional defense, the former Delhi minister shared her personal connection to Sikhism, stating she belongs to a family where, for generations, the eldest son has adopted the Sikh faith. 'I would rather die than insult the Guru Sahib,' Atishi said emphatically.
The AAP has vowed it will not tolerate any attempts to hurt religious sentiments or mislead the public with fabricated content, signaling a firm stance as the political row intensifies.
