Leaders and workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal, staged widespread demonstrations across Punjab on Thursday. The protests, held at district headquarters, centered on a firm demand for legal action against Delhi's Leader of Opposition, Atishi.
Core Demands of the Akali Dal Protests
The primary grievance driving the protests was an alleged incident in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The SAD alleges that Atishi made derogatory references to the Sikh Gurus during a session. In response, the party is demanding the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader. Furthermore, they have called for her arrest and the cancellation of her membership from the Delhi Vidhan Sabha.
State-Wide Demonstrations and Official Representations
The protests were not isolated to a single location but were a coordinated effort across the state. Alongside the public demonstrations, SAD delegations formally submitted written representations to the Deputy Commissioners in all districts of Punjab. These documents urged the Punjab Governor and the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly to intervene and take stringent disciplinary action against Atishi for her remarks.
The party's stance underscores the deep sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in Punjab. By taking their grievance to the district administration, the SAD aims to apply formal pressure on both the Punjab and Delhi governments to address their demands.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
This incident has the potential to escalate political tensions, particularly between the SAD and the AAP, which is in power in both Punjab and Delhi. The Akali Dal's state-wide mobilization highlights the seriousness with which they are treating the allegation. The ball is now in the court of the authorities, as the party awaits a response to its demands for police action and legislative censure.
The coming days will be crucial to see if the Delhi Assembly Speaker or the Punjab Governor acknowledges the representations. The controversy also puts the spotlight on the conduct of debates within legislative assemblies and the boundaries of political discourse concerning religious figures.
