In a sharp escalation of political tensions in Punjab, the state Congress chief has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its workers' actions and the controversial remarks made by one of its senior leaders.
Congress Chief Condemns AAP's 'Hooliganism'
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Saturday strongly condemned what he termed as acts of 'hooliganism' by AAP workers. The incident involved protests staged outside the residences of Congress leaders Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Warring's condemnation came in response to the AAP's reaction after Congress leaders highlighted the alleged use of objectionable language by Delhi AAP leader Atishi concerning the Sikh Gurus.
Warring described the AAP's counter-protests as a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black, using the Hindi proverb 'ulta chor, kotwal ko dante'. He accused the AAP of defiance and trying to cover up the issue through orchestrated demonstrations instead of addressing the core allegation.
A Stern Warning Against Disrespect to Sikh Gurus
The Punjab Congress chief issued a stern warning, reminding the AAP of the political and cultural sentiments in the state. "This is Punjab and we Punjabis neither forget nor forgive any disrespect to our Gurus," Warring stated emphatically. He pointed to the political fate of the Akali Dal as a precedent, suggesting that parties facing similar allegations have faced severe backlash from the community.
He accused the AAP of employing a strategy where 'offence is the best defence' but warned that such tactics would boomerang on the party. Warring emphasized that acts of disrespect towards the Gurus are unforgivable in the political landscape of Punjab.
An Appeal to Conscience Within AAP
In a direct appeal, Warring called upon the Sikh leaders and workers within the AAP to awaken their conscience and register a protest against what he called the 'sacrilegious utterances' by the Delhi-based leader. He questioned their silence, asking, "Has your conscience died that you are not only remaining quiet, but are being party to the AAP's cover-up game?"
He asserted that the AAP should feel ashamed of Atishi's reported comments and should have taken action against her while apologizing to the Sikh community, or Sikh panth. Instead, Warring alleged, the party leaders organized protests against the Congress leaders who brought the issue to light.
The Congress chief also dismissed any attempts to intimidate his party's leaders through the registration of FIRs or 'sponsored protests by hired goons,' stating that such moves would not hide the truth. He reiterated that the strategy of covering up the remarks would ultimately fail and have serious repercussions for the AAP in Punjab.
