Punjab witnessed a day of intense political drama and widespread protests on Saturday, January 11, 2026, as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) held counter-demonstrations across the state. The flashpoint was a controversial video involving Delhi's Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, Atishi, with each party levelling serious allegations against the others.
Cross-State Protests and Arrest Demands
In a significant escalation, AAP leaders, including MLAs and ministers, staged protests outside the residences of several opposition leaders. They demanded the arrest of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal at his village Badal in Muktsar, BJP's Punjab working president Ashwani Sharma in Pathankot, and Congress MLAs Pargat Singh (Jalandhar) and Sukhpal Singh Khaira (Bholath). The AAP accused them of sharing a doctored video of Atishi on social media to malign her.
This action followed the registration of an FIR against unknown persons by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate on Friday for circulating the alleged manipulated clip.
BJP and SAD's Counter-Offensive
Simultaneously, BJP and SAD workers held their own demonstrations at multiple locations in Punjab. They demanded strict action against Atishi, alleging that her speech in the Delhi Assembly had disrespected Sikh Gurus and hurt religious sentiments.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar announced a major protest plan, stating that party workers would gherao Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Chandigarh on January 16. Jakhar cited the deteriorating law and order, the drug menace, and corruption as primary reasons, alongside the handling of the Atishi video issue.
He launched a sharp attack on the Punjab Police, questioning why a forensic examination of Atishi's video was completed in a day, giving her a "clean chit," while a similar probe into a viral video allegedly involving CM Mann had not been expedited. Jakhar challenged Mann to either resign or get himself investigated immediately to prove his innocence.
Delhi Speaker Intervenes, SAD Intensifies Pressure
Amid the growing controversy, the Speaker of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha issued notices to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), a Special DGP, and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner. The notices, seeking replies within 48 hours regarding the FIR, stated the matter was already under consideration as a potential breach of privilege in the Delhi Assembly.
AAP chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang defended the FIR, stating it was based on a complaint from aggrieved persons and that forensic analysis confirmed the video was doctored. He reiterated Atishi's clarification that she never intended to hurt sentiments and accused the BJP of "low-level politics."
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) held district-level protests, demanding a case against Atishi and the cancellation of her Delhi Assembly membership. SAD delegations submitted memorandums to Deputy Commissioners, urging the Punjab Governor and the Delhi Speaker to act. The party also demanded the removal of "disparaging" content against Sikh Gurus from social media and legal action under cybercrime laws.
SAD leaders further accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of committing an "unpardonable sin" by disrespecting Sikh Gurus in a separate viral video and alleged he had opened a front against the Akal Takht.
