In a fresh twist to the ongoing political controversy surrounding former Punjab minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, anonymous supporters have erected large boards across Majitha town in Amritsar district bearing the message 'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai'. This move comes as a direct response to the 'missing person' hoardings that appeared recently in the same area, following the registration of a criminal case against Majithia and several others.
Details of the New Posters
The newly installed hoardings prominently feature a photograph of Majithia along with the Punjabi slogan 'Ehna Rangay Billayan nu keh deo, Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai', which translates to 'Tell these colored cats, the tiger is still alive'. The message appears to be aimed squarely at his political opponents. However, the identity of those responsible for putting up these posters remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to the escalating row.
Background of the Controversy
The development follows the appearance of large 'missing person' hoardings in Majitha town after a case was registered against Majithia and over 60 others. Those earlier posters appealed to the public to inform the nearest police station if they had any information regarding his whereabouts, effectively portraying him as a fugitive.
The controversy originated from an incident on May 31, when Majithia allegedly entered the Majitha police station and attempted to secure the release of Jobanjit Singh, who had been detained in connection with alleged disturbances at a polling booth on the day of municipal election vote counting. Subsequently, the police registered an FIR against Majithia and more than 60 others in connection with the incident.
Police Search and Political Reactions
The Punjab Police have reportedly constituted multiple teams to trace Majithia. However, even four days after the registration of the case, police teams have not been able to locate him. This has led to sharp political reactions. The opposition has termed the action politically motivated, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Akali leader of evading the law.
Political Implications
The appearance of the 'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' posters has added a new political dimension to the controversy. Supporters are projecting confidence in Majithia's return to public view, even as police efforts to locate him continue. The slogan echoes the famous Bollywood dialogue from the movie 'Dabangg', symbolizing resilience and defiance. This move is likely to further intensify the political battle between the SAD and AAP in Punjab.
Observers note that the poster war reflects the deep political rivalry in the state, with both sides using visual propaganda to sway public opinion. While the missing posters aimed to embarrass Majithia and portray him as evading justice, the new boards seek to project strength and challenge the narrative. The situation remains fluid, with political analysts predicting further escalation as the search for Majithia continues.
